Amidst the ongoing war and drought ravaging the Amhara region, approximately 2.6 million students find themselves unable to attend school, as reported by the regional education office.
Mr. Getachew Biazen, the head of public relations for the office, highlighted the immense challenges faced due to the security crisis and drought, which have significantly hindered student enrollment efforts. The region aimed to accommodate and educate 6.2 million students but fell short of achieving this target.
The grim reality is reflected in the staggering number of 2.6 million unregistered students, depriving deserving learners of their right to education.
The conflict, which escalated since April 2023 following the federal government’s decision to reorganize regional special forces, has pitted government security forces against Fano militants.
The severity of the situation prompted the declaration of a six-month state of emergency in July 2023, later extended for an additional four months by the House of People’s Representatives.
As a consequence, approximately two thousand schools have seen disruptions in teaching activities due to security concerns.
The toll of the conflict is evident in the extensive damage inflicted upon around 42 schools within the region. In response, the Ministry of Education has pledged necessary assistance to facilitate the return of students to school, emphasizing collaborative efforts between regional government bodies, the Ministry of Education, and area command posts.
The Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) underscored the gravity of the situation, revealing alarming accounts of violence and atrocities perpetrated during the conflict.
The region has witnessed widespread fighting, with EHRC documenting civilian casualties, including instances of rape and attacks on public facilities.
EHRC’s investigation report urged stakeholders to prioritize peaceful resolution of the conflict, emphasizing the need to address humanitarian crises and restore stability in the region.
Amidst the chaos, the region has endured a state of emergency and widespread internet shutdowns, prompting urgent calls from local and international humanitarian organizations for an end to hostilities and a return to negotiations.
The situation remains dire, highlighting the urgent need for concerted efforts to mitigate the impact of the conflict and restore normalcy to the region.
Recent incidents, including a drone attack in the north Shoa zone Sasit village that claimed 30 lives and wounded 18 individuals, along with the killing of over 80 civilians by Ethiopia’s national army in Merawi city, near to Bahirdar have drawn condemnation from both local and international human rights organizations.
Calls for an independent investigation into these events have been echoed by the US, UK, and various human rights bodies, but the Ethiopian federal government has opposed an independent investigation.Top of Form
