MONITORING (SW) – The UNICEF has called on de facto authorities in Afghanistan to allow girls to return to secondary schools immediately.
I a statement, the UNICEF Executive Director Catherine RRussell made the call on the start of the new school year in Afghanistan. “It’s deeply disappointing to learn that, once again, the de facto authorities in Afghanistan have prevented girls from attending secondary school. This unjustified and shortsighted decision has crushed the hopes and dreams of more than one million girls, and marks another grim milestone in the steady erosion of girls’ and women’s rights nationwide”.
she stressed that girls across Afghanistan have been denied their right to learn for over three years – first, due to COVID-19, and then because of the ban on attending secondary school. The cumulative impact of these absences is taking a terrible toll on girls’ mental health, overall wellbeing and on their futures.
“Girls and adolescents, including those with disabilities, have the right to an education. Preventing girls from learning will also have far-reaching consequences for the country’s economy and health system”, she said.
The UNICEF executive director said there is a chorus of girls’ voices all over Afghanistan urging us to find practical solutions for their education.
“UNICEF stands with every girl and woman in Afghanistan and calls on the de facto authorities to allow all girls to return to school with immediate effect. Girls must be allowed to continue their education, protect their mental health, and contribute to the future of their country.”
ENDS
