Afghanistan Peace Campaign
Former President Hamid Karzai met with Roza Otunbayeva, the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative in Afghanistan and head of UNAMA, to stress the urgent need for reopening schools and universities for girls in Afghanistan.
Karzai shared details of the meeting on Thursday, expressing gratitude to the United Nations for its role in providing educational facilities and economic support for Afghan women, especially in these challenging times.
On social media platform X, Karzai reiterated his call for the reopening of educational institutions for girls, emphasizing the importance of education in empowering girls and women and fostering a more inclusive society in Afghanistan.
The United Nations, in its latest report, also expressed concern over the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan and noted a shift in public attitudes toward girls’ education.
The report highlighted that over 50% of Afghan women and girls feel that community support for girls’ access to both primary and higher education has declined.
In the meeting, Karzai also emphasized the importance of what he referred to as “national understanding,” as Qatar recently announced its readiness to host further rounds of the Doha peace talks.
The plight of Afghan women and girls remains a significant human rights issue, with the UN reporting severe restrictions on their fundamental rights, including bans on education and employment.
This restriction, alongside a dire humanitarian crisis, has left many Afghan women and girls vulnerable, with increased cases of forced and child marriages being reported.
The challenges faced by Afghan women and girls highlight the urgent need for international intervention and community support to restore their basic rights. Without access to education, employment, and safety, the future remains uncertain for millions, who are denied their right to thrive amidst these harsh conditions.