The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has voiced “deep disappointment” as the Taliban’s ban on girls’ education enters its fourth year, coinciding with the start of the new academic year.
In a statement, UNAMA chief Roza Otunbayeva stated that the Taliban disregards the Afghan people’s demands.
She added that the ban not only jeopardises girls’ futures but undermines peace and well-being for all Afghans. She warned that the policy exacerbates Afghanistan’s already severe human rights, humanitarian, and economic crises, further isolating the country from the global community.
The new school year began approximately a week ago, yet girls above the sixth grade remain barred from classrooms, a restriction enforced by the Taliban’s Ministry of Education since their 2021 takeover. The ban extends to universities, where female students have also been excluded for four consecutive years.
Otunbayeva highlighted the closure of girls’ schools as a primary obstacle to Afghanistan’s recovery. She said that it dims prospects for improvement and must be lifted.
The ongoing denial of education to Afghan girls has drawn widespread condemnation. Amnesty International, UNICEF, and prominent global figures have renewed calls for the Taliban to reverse the policy. Despite this, the Taliban has shown no willingness to relent, maintaining its stance amid mounting pressure.
