UN Chief calls on Taliban in Afghanistan to reverse ban on girls’ access to education

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on the Taliban in Afghanistan to allow girls’ to pursue secondary and higher education. On the International Day of Education, Guterres urged the Taliban to reverse the ban on girls’ access to education. The UN Secretary-General said it is time for all nations to ensure taking actual steps to develop welcoming and inclusive learning environments for all.

Calling education a fundamental right, Guterres said that now is the time for all nations to ensure taking actual steps to develop welcoming and inclusive learning environments for all. He urged nations to end all discriminatory laws and practices that hinder access to education.

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, currently around 80 per cent of school-aged Afghan girls and young women are out of school under Taliban rule, as they are denied access to secondary schools and universities. United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs today (January 24) said that now 1.1 million Afghan girls are banned from secondary school and more than 1 lakh others are banned from universities.