The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has urged Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers to lift the ban on girls’ education as the new academic year begins in the country.
The ban, which has prevented girls from attending secondary school for three years, continues to jeopardize the future of millions of Afghan girls, UNICEF warned.
In a statement, Executive Director Catherine Russell cautioned that if the ban remains in place until 2030, over four million girls will be deprived of education beyond primary school.
Russell highlighted the severe consequences of this restriction, stating that it harms the nation’s healthcare system, economy, and overall future.
UNICEF also warned that limited access to education increases the risk of child marriage, negatively impacting the health and well-being of young girls.
“Furthermore, the country will face a shortage of trained female health workers, which will put lives at risk,” Russell added.
With fewer female doctors and midwives, UNICEF stressed that girls and women will struggle to access essential healthcare services.
The organization estimated that this situation could lead to an additional 1,600 maternal deaths and over 3,500 infant deaths, representing real families shattered by loss.
“For over three years, the rights of Afghan girls have been systematically violated. They must be allowed to return to school immediately,” the statement urged.
UNICEF also warned that excluding half of the population from education would have long-term consequences for the country’s development.
Despite the ongoing restrictions, UNICEF has provided educational opportunities to 445,000 children, 64% of whom are girls, while also supporting the empowerment of female teachers.