International law must be strengthened to protect schools and children from wartime attacks
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/profile/gordonbrown. "Children killed, a school turned into a graveyard: even in wartime, we can’t accept this | Gordon Brown | The Guardian." March 12, 2026. www.theguardian.com
The Gist
Gordon Brown argues that the recent school bombing in Iran shows we need stronger international laws and courts to protect children and schools during wars. He believes current laws aren't being enforced well enough, and we need a special court just for crimes against children to make sure those responsible are punished.
Conclusion
The international community must strengthen legal mechanisms and create dedicated enforcement bodies to prevent attacks on schools and ensure accountability for crimes against children in warfare
Premises
- The bombing of Shajareh Tayyebeh school in Iran, killing 168 people primarily schoolgirls, represents a war crime that demands accountability
- Attacks on schools and children in warfare are increasing globally, with over 10,000 students and educators killed or harmed in 2022-2023 alone
- Current international legal frameworks, including Geneva Conventions and Rome Statute, already prohibit attacks on schools but lack effective enforcement
- Existing legal loopholes allow perpetrators to claim attacks were unintentional or that schools were being used for military purposes
- Schools serve as symbols of hope and stability for communities, making their protection essential for maintaining civilian morale and future prospects
- A dedicated international criminal court for crimes against children would provide stronger accountability mechanisms than current systems
Assumptions
- International law can be effectively strengthened through new institutions and protocols
- Creating specialized courts will lead to better enforcement than existing mechanisms
- Public pressure and moral arguments can influence state behavior in warfare
- The distinction between civilian and military targets can and should be maintained in modern warfare
- Accountability for war crimes serves as a deterrent to future violations