The Chinese representative at the United Nations Security Council has urged the interim government to lift restrictions on women’s and girls’ access to education and work, and to facilitate their access to healthcare services and social participation.
During a meeting of the UN Security Council regarding the situation in Afghanistan, this Chinese official stated that the current government has banned the education of girls above the sixth grade for the fifth consecutive year, resulting in millions of girls being deprived of schooling.
The Chinese representative at the UN described the exclusion of these girls from education as deeply concerning and called for the protection of the fundamental rights of the people of Afghanistan.
He also urged the current government to lift the ban on Afghan women employees of the United Nations entering the organization’s offices, stating that this prohibition has impacted the normal operations of UN agencies.
At the same time, the Chinese representative called for global engagement with the interim government, the release of Afghanistan’s frozen assets, and the provision of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
While the Chinese representative advocates for women’s and girls’ access to education and employment, the current government has prohibited the education of girls and women above the sixth grade for nearly four years.
Afghanistan is the only country in the world that bans education beyond the sixth grade for girls. This action by the current government has resulted in millions of female students being unable to receive an education.
Additionally, women have been barred from attending sports clubs, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a male guardian, and working in domestic and international NGOs, as well as in UN offices in Afghanistan.
According to reports, if this ban continues, nearly four million girls may be deprived of education by 2030.
