Afghanistan Peace CampaignUN Sec. Gen. Antonio Guterres at the Transforming Global Education summit hosted by the United Nations, called on the Taliban to lift all restrictions on girls’ access to education immediately.
“From this platform, I appeal to the authorities in Afghanistan: lift all restrictions on girls’ access to secondary education immediately. Schools must be open to all without discrimination. We must recover the years of education lost around the world because of the pandemic. Quality education for all means tackling the crises in foundational learning and ensuring it is lifelong and placing a greater focus on education in crisis hotspots,” said António Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General.
At the summit, the former captain of the Afghan robotics team called on the international community to not forget Afghan girls who are banned from going to school.
“You must not forget those girls who are left behind, those who are not lucky enough to be at school at all, show your solidarity with me and millions of Afghan girls,” said Somaya Faruqi, the former captain of the Afghan robotics team.
On the other hand, some female students said that they have lost hope in the promises made by the government which never result in action.
“We have lost our motivation and we are waiting for when the government will make a decision to reopen schools for us,” said Hadia, a student.
Earlier, the Islamic Emirate said efforts are underway to reopen schools across Afghanistan.
“The Islamic Emirate’s officials have explained the issue at various times, for now there are no updates on this,” said Bilal Karimi, the Islamic Emirate’s deputy spokesman.
It has been one year that secondary schools have been closed for girls, and the Islamic Emirate officials have different theories about opening schools for girls above grade 6.