United Nations - More than 25 million children between the ages of 6 and 15 are out of school in 22 conflict-affected countries, the United Nations Children''s Fund (UNICEF) warned today.

According to a report by the specialized agency, 22 percent of the total of children in those nations is not attending school.

'Education is particularly important in times of war, because without it, how will children be able to realize their full potential and contribute to the future and stability of their families and communities,' said Josephine Bourne, Associate Director for Education of UNICEF.

According to the Fund, South Sudan has the highest rate of children out of school in primary education, with 72 percent, followed by Chad (50) and Afghanistan (46).

In secondary education, the worst situation is in Niger, with 68 percent of children out of school, followed by South Sudan (60) and Central African Republic (55).

UNICEF assured it works in conflict zones to bring children back to school, starting with initiatives such as informal classes, schools' resumption, and teacher training.