UNICEF says 2.6 million girls remain barred from education in Afghanistan
The United Nations children’s fund, UNICEF, has said that the continued denial of education to girls in Afghanistan has kept more than 2.6 million girls out of secondary school over the past five years, leaving far-reaching consequences for families and the country’s future.
In a post on X on Thursday, 26 September, UNICEF said Afghanistan is the only country in the world where secondary and higher education is banned for girls and women. The agency called on the Taliban authorities to lift these restrictions and create conditions for the immediate return of girls and women to schools and universities.
The organisation stressed that depriving girls of education not only affects their lives, but also has a negative impact on children, families and Afghanistan’s future. According to UNICEF, the continuation of this situation could have long-term social and educational consequences.
After returning to power in 2021, the Taliban administration halted education for girls above sixth grade and later barred women from pursuing university studies as well. These restrictions have continued despite repeated calls from international organisations, which have described education as a basic right for girls and women and urged the lifting of the bans.
UNICEF has previously also called on multiple occasions for schools and universities in Afghanistan to be reopened to girls and women. The agency is one of the United Nations’ main organisations for child protection and access to education in vulnerable countries.
