Arria-formula meeting on safeguarding education in Sudan: investing in peace, recovery and stability
Statement by H.E Ambassador James Larsen, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Australia to the United Nations
7 August 2026
More than three years of conflict in Sudan have devastated civilian lives, shattered essential services and left millions of children without safe access to education.
We have witnessed a complete breakdown in protection.
Australia therefore welcomes the focus of today's meeting. We have long championed the protection of civilians, particularly children.
And we know that when respect for international norms erodes, it is always the most vulnerable who suffer first.
That is why the international community must stand up for those who cannot stand up for themselves.
The international community has developed a strong framework for protecting education during armed conflict, including through the Geneva Conventions, the Convention on the Rights of the Child, Security Council resolutions, and the Safe Schools Declaration.
But implementation is lacking and we must step up.
Australia proposes three key areas to focus international efforts.
First, all parties must comply with international law, including international humanitarian law. Schools, students, teachers, education personnel and humanitarian workers must be protected, and perpetrators must be held accountable.
The commitments outlined in the Safe Schools Declaration should be fully upheld.
Second, humanitarian access must be full, safe, rapid, and unimpeded.
This is essential not only for protecting children, but also for safeguarding the teachers, education workers and humanitarian personnel who enable learning to continue in the most difficult circumstances.
Australia's leadership of the Declaration for the Protection of Humanitarian Personnel reflects our longstanding commitment to this issue.
Third, the only sustainable solution is an end to the conflict.
We reiterate our call for an immediate ceasefire and a Sudanese-led political process aimed at implementing civilian led democratic governance.
We are deeply concerned by the recent escalation, including in the Kordofans and Darfur.
Colleagues, protecting education is not only about preserving learning today; it is an investment in Sudan's recovery, stability and future peace.
Thank you.