UNHCR report on refugee education in Asia highlights challenges in access to schooling

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has today released a new report on refugee education in Asia. This regional overview follows on from its recent global report on the education of refugee children around the world, titled 'Coming Together for Refugee Education'.

In this analysis of Asia, UNHCR highlights that in the countries covered by the report, only 32% of primary school-age refugee children attend formal primary education.

The right to education is one of the most fundamental human rights, yet many of the world’s children face challenges in accessing education. These challenges are exacerbated for children who are refugees, asylum-seekers or stateless people.

Across Asia, many refugee children face financial challenges which prevent them from attending school. Additionally, children in refugee camps and camp-like situations frequently live in precarious conditions, where education can be limited. School structures are often very basic, and classes are provided in an informal and limited manner. The COVID-19 outbreak has also severely affected the learning environment of refugee children.

In light of the above challenges, UNHCR is reiterating its call for continuous support from host countries and partners while encouraging other stakeholders to join efforts to improve refugee children’s access to education.

Read the report 'Closing the Gap: Asia Education Update' online and download the PDF.