UNESCO , the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Educational Organization, today called for the opening of schools for girls in Afghanistan , warning of the “irreversible consequences” for 50% of the country's population.
Only the boys were allowed to return to their classes in the country's high schools , which are now ruled by the Taliban . “If this ban (for girls) is maintained, it will be a significant violation of the fundamental right to education for girls and women,” UNESCO said in a press release.
“We call on those responsible for this announcement to clarify the situation and reopen schools for all Afghan students, boys and girls.”
UNESCO Director- General Ondre Azoule said in the same press release that “Afghanistan's future depends on the education of girls and boys” and added that “it is equally important for all female teachers to be allowed to return to school to teach, offering a safe and open learning environment “.
Ten days after the reopening of private universities in the country, the Afghan Ministry of Education announced yesterday that “all teachers and students” of secondary education will return to their classes, without making any reference to teachers.
“UNESCO warns of the irreversible consequences that could be caused by the fact that girls are not allowed to return to school soon, at all levels of education,” Azulai continued.
“In particular, a delayed return of girls to secondary education risks putting them on the sidelines in education and ultimately in life. “This increases the risk of dropping out of school altogether and exposing them to negative adjustment mechanisms, such as forced marriage .”
