The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has stated that widespread gaps in educational infrastructure, coupled with the Taliban’s restrictive policies against girls, are further deepening gender inequality in Afghanistan’s education system.
In a statement released on Sunday, 8 December, the UNHCR identified infrastructural deficiencies, restrictive policies targeting girls, and a shortage of qualified teachers as key challenges to education in the country.
“The 2024 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) for Afghanistan estimates that eight million people will require educational assistance within the same year,” the statement noted.
The organisation outlined its commitment under the Education Strategy for Afghanistan 2024–2027, developed in collaboration with its partners, to address these gaps. The strategy includes constructing schools, training teachers, and expanding online learning platforms to ensure equitable access to education.
The UNHCR emphasised its advocacy efforts aimed at lifting the bans on education for women and girls, describing them as critical to achieving safe and equitable access to learning opportunities. It highlighted ongoing collaboration with key partners, including UNICEF, UNESCO, and Save the Children, to improve access to education in Afghanistan.
The statement also detailed the UNHCR’s integration of education-focused initiatives with broader programmes, such as conducting gender-based violence awareness sessions for teachers and providing psychological support for students and educators.
The UN’s concerns over worsening gender inequality in Afghanistan come as the Taliban continues to enforce restrictions barring girls from education beyond grade six in schools and universities. Most recently, the Taliban also banned women from attending medical training institutions, sparking further international condemnation.
The UNHCR reiterated its commitment to addressing the educational crisis in Afghanistan, focusing on empowering marginalised groups and tackling the systemic barriers preventing access to education.
