ISLAMABAD: The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has renewed its call for the immediate lifting of restrictions on education for Afghan women and girls, marking the International Day of Girls in ICT.
According to a report by Afghanistan international, citing a statement released by UNAMA released on Thursday, April 23, access to education for women and girls is critical to fostering innovation, expanding employment opportunities, and ensuring a sustainable future in Afghanistan.
The mission warned that the continued ban is not only a violation of fundamental rights but also a major obstacle to the country’s development.
According to UNAMA, 1,675 days have passed since authorities imposed a ban on education for girls beyond the sixth grade. During this time, an entire generation has been deprived of access to secondary and higher education, with long-term social and economic consequences.
Since returning to power in 2021, the Taliban have enforced sweeping restrictions on female education, barring girls from attending secondary schools, universities, and other higher education institutions. The policies have drawn widespread condemnation from Afghan citizens, international organizations, and governments around the world.
Numerous Islamic countries and global bodies have also called for the reversal of the restrictions, arguing that access to education is consistent with Islamic principles as well as international human rights standards.
The Taliban, however, continue to defend their stance, describing the issue as an internal matter. Officials have repeatedly urged foreign actors not to interfere in Afghanistan’s domestic affairs.
Afghanistan remains the only country in the world where girls are prohibited from pursuing education beyond the sixth grade, a situation that continues to raise alarm among global advocacy groups and policymakers.
