Human Rights Groups Condemn Full Face Covering for Children in Balkh Schools
Students at an elementary school in Balkh province participated in their handicrafts exhibition with their faces covered so that only their eyes were visible; the event was attended by representatives of the Taliban administration.
In images released from the event, young girls can be seen dressed in black clothing with their faces completely covered. This form of covering has been endorsed and welcomed by Taliban officials.
Over the past nearly five years, the Taliban administration has promoted and encouraged the use of the burqa, black chador, and full face covering. Alongside the spread of these policies, the attire of some women and girls in certain parts of the country has changed to align with the demands of the administration.
Critics argue that imposing or encouraging such restrictions, especially on children in educational settings, raises serious questions about the right to choice, individual freedom, and the status of girls’ education in Afghanistan; a matter that continues to cause concern among human rights organizations.
