As schools above grade six have remained closed to girls and women in Afghanistan for 1,580 days, Human Rights Watch has described the continuation of this situation as a “clear violation of human rights.”
In a message posted today (Sunday, January 18) on its X account, the organization wrote that the ban on girls’ education in Afghanistan is one of the most serious examples of structural injustice against women and girls in the country.
The organization further emphasized that silence in the face of this situation only helps perpetuate injustice. It called on citizens, human rights organizations, and the international community to respond to these restrictions by raising their voices, sharing this message, and demanding concrete action.
Human Rights Watch Afghanistan also added that girls’ education cannot be delayed even for one more day, warning that the continuation of this ban will have irreversible consequences for the future of coming generations.
It is worth noting that after returning to power, the de facto authorities banned education for girls above grade six across the country—a decision that has faced widespread domestic and international reactions but has nevertheless remained in place for more than four years.
Previously, a number of organizations and human rights activists have launched campaigns calling for the unconditional return of girls to educational institutions.
Most recently, the authorities also closed the doors of medical institutes to girls and women, despite the fact that the healthcare sector across Afghanistan is facing a severe shortage of personnel.
These actions by the current authorities have resulted in millions of schoolgirls being deprived of education.
In addition, women have been barred from attending sports clubs, restaurants, public baths, being examined by male doctors, traveling without a mahram, and working in domestic and international non-governmental organizations, as well as even in United Nations offices in Afghanistan.
