FACIAS: Over 5000 schools operate without ISU authorizations and without sanitary authorizations

The Foundation For The Defense Of The Citizens Against State Abuses (FACIAS) has identified deficiencies in the infrastructure of schools in Romania. The current situation, as confirmed by the data received from the Ministry of Education, demonstrates that a considerable number of educational establishments in Romania are failing to provide the basic conditions necessary for the safe and hygienic delivery of educational activities. This systemic failure to provide an adequate learning environment puts the lives of pupils at risk and represents a violation of their fundamental right to education, which cannot be guaranteed without access to an adequate and properly equipped learning environment.

In an official address to the Minister of Education, Mrs. Ligia Deca, FACIAS requested updated data for the year 2024 on the state of schools in Romania. In response, the Ministry of Education provided information indicating significant deficiencies in the school infrastructure, which appeared to contradict the information regularly published by the authorities regarding the funds allocated for the modernisation of schools. The main issues identified were as follows:

1. Lack of sanitary authorizationsA total of 33,545 buildings have been identified; however, only 27,458 have been granted the requisite sanitary permits. Despite the legal deadlines and the persistent public pressure on this issue, 1,083 institutions are still awaiting the necessary sanitary authorisation to operate. Furthermore, more than 5,000 schools are currently operating without the requisite authorisations, thereby exposing students and teachers to potential health risks.
2. Lack of ISU fire safety authorizations: A similarly concerning state of affairs exists with regard to ISU authorisations. Of the total number of educational premises and buildings, 33,545 in number, only 7,024 have been granted the requisite fire safety authorisations. The data provided by the Ministry indicate that 4,123 authorisations remain unissued, with 5,114 educational establishments currently operating without the requisite authorisation, thereby placing the lives of students and staff at risk. In addition, 17,284 buildings are exempt from the requirement for an ISU authorisation.
3. Lack of investment in new buildings: In the year 2024, only four new kindergartens will have been constructed across the entirety of Romania, with more than 13,750 localities, a figure that is markedly insufficient in relation to the actual requirements of the education system.
4. Poor heatingAs indicated by data from the Ministry of Education, over 7,000 educational facilities continue to utilise either central heating systems or wood-burning stoves for heating purposes. In 2024, this rudimentary form of heating will remain a reality for thousands of Romanian students, reflecting a dearth of adequate investment from the authorities to provide modern and safe conditions in schools.
5. Non-compliant sanitary groups: Despite repeated assurances from the relevant authorities, 70 pre-university educational establishments continue to have non-compliant toilets. As of September 2024, these schools have not been included in a government funding programme to address these issues. It was only recently that 50 of these units were included in a draft government decision allocating funds to modernise sanitary infrastructure. However, according to media reports, these are insufficient to meet European standards.

FACIAS highlights the urgent need to address the critical situation of school infrastructure in Romania, which poses a significant risk to the health and safety of children and teachers. Despite official statements about the investments made, the persistence of serious and unresolved shortcomings indicates a lack of concrete action and vision on the part of the state, which could have serious implications for the future of children's education.