As a new school year begins in Afghanistan, UNICEF has renewed its call for the Taliban to lift the ban on girls’ education beyond sixth grade, emphasizing that millions of Afghan girls remain deprived of their right to learn. Since the Taliban took control of the country in August 2021, girls have been barred from attending secondary schools and universities, drawing widespread international condemnation.

A Dire Situation for Afghan Girls

UNICEF estimates that over 1.5 million girls have been denied education due to the ban, deepening the gender gap and increasing the vulnerability of young girls to child marriage, exploitation, and poverty. In a statement, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell highlighted that the continued exclusion of girls from education is “not only a violation of their fundamental rights but also a significant loss for the future of Afghanistan.”

UNICEF’s Appeal for Urgent Action

UNICEF is urging the Taliban to immediately:

• Reopen secondary schools and universities for girls.
• Prioritize girls’ education as a means to rebuild the nation.
• Ensure safe and inclusive learning environments for all children.

“Denying girls access to education robs them of their future and deprives Afghanistan of the contributions they can make to society,” Russell added.

Worsening Humanitarian Crisis

The ban on girls’ education comes amid a worsening humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, where millions of families are grappling with poverty, food insecurity, and displacement. UNICEF warns that restricting education will further exacerbate the cycle of poverty and marginalization, with long-term consequences for the country’s development.

Global Pressure on the Taliban

The international community continues to pressure the Taliban to reverse its policies on women and girls, but despite promises of reform, the Taliban has shown little willingness to change course. Human rights organizations and global leaders have reiterated that recognition of the Taliban’s government hinges on restoring fundamental rights, including the right to education.

Hope Amid Challenges

Despite the grim outlook, many Afghan girls continue to pursue education through informal learning centers and online platforms. UNICEF and other organizations are exploring alternative ways to support these efforts while advocating for a formal return of girls to classrooms.