As Afghanistan’s new academic year commences, UNICEF has called on the Taliban to revoke their prohibition on girls’ education beyond the sixth grade. This ban has prevented an additional 400,000 girls from attending school, raising the total number affected to 2.2 million. Afghanistan remains the sole nation enforcing such a restriction, with the Taliban citing their interpretation of Sharia law as justification.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell emphasized the long-term repercussions of this policy, stating that if it continues until 2030, over four million girls will be deprived of education beyond primary school. She highlighted the potential decline in female healthcare professionals, which could lead to an estimated 1,600 additional maternal deaths and over 3,500 infant fatalities.
The international community continues to advocate for the restoration of educational rights for Afghan girls, urging the Taliban to reconsider their stance to prevent further harm to the nation’s future.
