The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, on Saturday urged Taliban rulers to allow girls to return to school as a new academic year begins in Afghanistan.
It has been three years since the ban on girls’ secondary education was imposed, and UNICEF warns that the decision continues to harm the future of millions of Afghan girls.
Executive Director Catherine Russell, in a statement, said that if the ban remains in place until 2030, over four million girls will have been deprived of their right to education beyond primary school.
Russell emphasised that the consequences for these girls are catastrophic, as the ban negatively impacts the healthcare system, the economy, and the nation’s future.
UNICEF warned that with fewer girls receiving an education, they face a higher risk of child marriage, with detrimental effects on their well-being and health.
“In addition, the country will experience a shortage of qualified female health workers. This will endanger lives,” Russell cautioned.
The agency stressed that with fewer female doctors and midwives, girls and women will struggle to access the medical care and support they need.
Estimating an additional 1,600 maternal deaths and over 3,500 infant deaths, UNICEF highlighted that these figures represent real lives lost and families shattered.
“For over three years, the rights of girls in Afghanistan have been violated. All girls must be allowed to return to school now,” the statement urged.
It advised Afghanistan against leaving half of its population behind, warning that denying bright young girls an education will have consequences that last for generations.
Despite the ban, UNICEF has provided access to education for 445,000 children, 64 per cent of whom are girls, while also empowering female teachers.
