Afghanistan Peace Campaign
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warns that the unbearable psychological pressure resulting from denying girls education in Afghanistan has reached critical levels. Experts note that such deprivation undermines the well-being and future prospects of young Afghans, exacerbating long-term social and economic instability.
OCHA released a report on Tuesday, March 25, which revealed that girls aged 13 to 17 in Afghanistan did not attend school in 2024 due to stringent educational restrictions. This exclusion not only denies them a fundamental right but also inflicts severe psychological and social harm.
In contrast, the report shows that 74 percent of boys in the same age group attended school last year. This significant discrepancy highlights the deep-rooted gender inequities in Afghanistan’s education system and underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions for girls.
OCHA has emphasized the critical importance of comprehensive psychosocial and social support services, particularly for young girls affected by the education ban. The agency urges both national and international stakeholders to implement programs that mitigate the adverse effects of prolonged educational deprivation.
Meanwhile, UNICEF has reported that 2.2 million girls have already been deprived of secondary education in Afghanistan, with projections estimating that this number could reach 4 million by 2030 if current restrictions continue. This trend poses a serious setback to the country’s overall educational and developmental progress.
In response to these alarming figures, international organizations and donor nations must prioritize educational initiatives and psychosocial support programs. Investing in such programs is essential not only for upholding human rights but also for securing Afghanistan’s future stability and prosperity.
Furthermore, global governments should intensify diplomatic pressure on Taliban authorities to lift educational restrictions and enforce policies that promote gender equality in education. Such coordinated efforts are vital to transforming Afghanistan’s educational landscape and empowering millions of young girls to realize their full potential.