Bergdís Ellertsdóttir, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Iceland and head of the Icelandic delegation to UNESCO, has emphasized continued support for the women and girls of Afghanistan, stating that Afghan women and girls must not be forgotten in the silence of the world.
Speaking at the 43rd General Conference of UNESCO in Samarkand, Ellertsdóttir said that millions of children—especially girls—in countries affected by war or under oppressive regimes have been deprived of their right to education.
Referring to the extensive restrictions imposed by Afghanistan’s interim government on women’s education and employment, she said: “Millions of Afghan girls are facing harassment and blatant gender-based discrimination. UNESCO must stand with them, keep education alive, and ensure that the voices of Afghan women and girls are heard around the world.”
Ellertsdóttir stressed that supporting the right to education, freedom of expression, and human dignity are among UNESCO’s core principles, and that the international community must not remain indifferent to the oppression of Afghan women.
She also praised UNESCO’s role in implementing emergency programs in Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Gaza, saying these initiatives are crucial for maintaining educational continuity and supporting journalists and scientists in crisis-hit regions.
Iceland, which has completed its four-year term on UNESCO’s Executive Board, has consistently prioritized gender equality, human rights, media freedom, and education for all during its tenure.
According to the Icelandic Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the country will continue its cooperation with UNESCO to support Afghan women and girls and to promote education in disadvantaged regions.
