The Taliban have deliberately deprived 1.4 million Afghan girls of schooling through bans, a U.N. agency said Thursday. Afghanistan is the only country in the world with bans on female secondary and higher education.
Since taking power in 2021, the Taliban imposed restrictions on girls’ education above sixth grade, citing Sharia law. This move has affected millions of young girls, with no signs of reversal in sight.
UNESCO reported a significant increase in the number of girls denied access to secondary education, now totaling 1.4 million. The future of these girls is at risk, as they are deprived of their fundamental right to education.
The Taliban’s takeover has also impacted primary education, with 1.1 million fewer children attending schools. This alarming trend threatens to erase decades of progress in the country’s education system.
UNESCO expressed concerns about the rise in child labor and early marriages due to the education crisis. The Taliban’s policies have led to a decline in enrollment, exacerbating the situation for Afghan children.
Despite celebrating three years of rule, the Taliban have failed to address the pressing needs of the Afghan population, mired in poverty, hunger, and unemployment. The impact of their policies on education and social welfare remains dire.
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