UN Security Council asks Taliban to allow Afghan girls to attend school

Hadia, 10, a 4th grade primary school student attends a class in Kabul, Afghanistan, October 26, 2021. The hardline Islamist Taliban movement, which stormed to power earlier this year after ousting the Western-backed government, has allowed all boys and younger girls back to class, but has not let girls attend secondary school. I'm in the 4th grade. I want to be a doctor, but if in two years' time I am not be allowed to continue my studies like my sister, I won't be able to fulfil my dream, said Hadia. That already scares me. REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra SEARCH BENSEMRA EDUCATION FOR THIS STORY. SEARCH WIDER IMAGE FOR ALL STORIES

UNITED NATIONS, March 28 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United Nations Security Council has expressed deep concern over a decision by Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers to deny girls access to high school education and called on the group to reopen schools for female students without delay.

“The members of the Security Council … reaffirmed the right to education for all Afghans, including girls,” a statement from the United Nations on Sunday said.

Last week, the Taliban backtracked on an announcement that high schools would open for girls, saying they would remain closed until a plan was drawn up in accordance with Islamic law for them to reopen.

The United States abruptly cancelled meetings with the Taliban in Doha that were set to address key economic issues because of the decision, US officials said.

The Security Council asked Deborah Lyons, the UN Special Representative for Afghanistan, to engage with relevant Afghan authorities and stakeholders on the issue and report back on progress. — NNN-AGENCIES

administrator

Related Articles