Roza Otunbayeva, the head of UNAMA (United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan), marked the International Day of the Girl by stating, “We celebrate this day with a heavy heart, as it has been exactly 1,120 days since the authorities imposed a ban on the education of girls over the age of 12.”
In a statement, Ms. Otunbayeva noted that the lost opportunities over the past three years not only affect millions of girls but also deprive families and Afghanistan as a whole of these opportunities.
She emphasized, “With each passing day, more harm is inflicted on the lives of women and girls. Instead of progress in the country’s efforts for peace, recovery, and prosperity, we are being pushed backward.”
Otunbayeva called on the interim government to change its current course.
She stated, “I assure the women and girls of Afghanistan that we will not cease our opposition in defense of their rights, even if others seek to silence them.”
It is worth noting that the United Nations General Assembly designated October 11 as the International Day of the Girl in 2011 through a resolution aimed at promoting girls’ rights.
The UNAMA chief mentioned that the theme for International Day of the Girl in 2024 is “Girls’ Perspectives for the Future.”
She added that today’s generation of girls is disproportionately affected by global crises such as climate change, conflicts, poverty, and setbacks in achievements.
Meanwhile, Afghan girls have faced severe restrictions since the current government came to power. Currently, girls above sixth grade are deprived of education in schools and universities.
