KABUL (Pajhwok): UNAMA, the Amnesty International and the US embassy in Afghanistan on Wednesday expressed concern over the Taliban’s decision to close girls schools above sixth grade until next order.
On Wednesday morning, the Ministry of Education (MoE) announced the reopening of schools for girl students has been delayed until further order.
According to the state-run Bakhtar News Agency, the ministry will inform all schools of the delay in resumption of classes for girl students of grade six and above.
“All schools will be formally informed about this after a comprehensive plan is devised and issued by the leadership of Islamic Emirate in line with Islamic and Afghan traditions.”
Meanwhile, Aziz Ahmad Ryan, spokesman for MoE, today at the beginning of the 1401 education year in Kabul said: “The girls’ schools will remain closed until further notice and a comprehensive plan will be devised to ensure the complete safety of girls in schools, the completion of female teachers and the observance of the Hijab.”
However, the caretaker government decision drew worldwide reactions.
The United Nations Assistance Mission (UNAMA) tweeted: “The UN in Afghanistan deplores today’s reported announcement by the Taliban that they are further extending their indefinite ban on female students above the 6th grade being permitted to return school.”
Meanwhile, Amnesty International tweeted: “Amnesty International is deeply concerned about the news of Taliban’s complete reversal on its decision to open secondary school for girls. Disturbing reports are emerging that girls above grade six were not allowed to sit in classrooms and turned away.”
US Chargé d’Affaires Ian McCary tweeted: “I'm deeply troubled by multiple reports that the Taliban are not allowing girls above grade 6 to return to school. This is very disappointing & contradicts many Taliban assurances & statements. All Afghan youth deserve to be educated.”
Earlier the Ministry of Education had announced that schools for both boys and girls would be reopened and the education year will start on 23rd of March.
The decision was welcomed both nationally and internationally.
UN Secreteray-General Special Representative for Afghanistan Deborah Lyons said: “Hearing disturbing reports that female students above the sixth grade will not be invited back to school by the authorities, If true, what could possibly be the reason?”
Germany Ambassador Designate to Kabul Potzel Markus on his twitter account wrote: “This morning's reports that girls' schools above grade 6 should suspend their classes until further notice, are deeply disturbing. This is not only a blow for all Afghan girls who want to attend schools, universities, have career perspectives.”
He added: “These instructions are contradicting previous announcements made by the AFG de facto authorities, they are violating international conventions which AFG has subscribed to - the commitment to guarantee the right to education for all.”
sa/ma
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