Washington DC, 25 January 2023 (TDI): Education is a human right, a public good, and a public responsibility. The World recognized and celebrated the International Day of Education in honor of Afghan women and girls.
This was declared by United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken. The international community attributed this year’s Education day in honor to Afghan women, who are systematically denied this human right by the Taliban.
Secretary of State also remarked, “We stand with you and call for equal and unhindered access to quality education for all Afghan Women and Girls”.
In late 2022, the Taliban regime banned women from University and higher education in Afghanistan. The regime deprived half of the country’s population of getting higher education.
Earlier Taliban had promised a softer rule after seizing power last year after the US withdrawal from the country. However, the hardliners have continued to roll back women’s rights and freedoms in the country.
There has been opposition to this stance from international and local moderate officials. Yet the Taliban had promised to re-open some high schools for girls until a suitable environment is established.
UN response to deprivation of Afghan women
The world community was deeply concerned by this order. UNESCO dedicates the 2023 International Day of Education to Afghan Girls and Women.
On the occasion of an event organized at the UN headquarters, UNESCO renewed its call to immediately restore their fundamental right to education.
Audrey Azoulay, the UNESCO Director-General also responded, “No country in the world should bar women and girls from receiving an education. Education is a universal human right that must be respected”.
Also Read: UN calls on Afghan Taliban to end restrictions on Women & Girls
Furthermore, she added that the international community has the responsibility to ensure that the rights of Afghan girls and women are restored without delay. The war against women must stop”.
On the occasion of the International Day of Education, on 24 January, UNESCO is hosting an event at the United Nations in New York.
It is being hosted with the contribution of the UN Secretary-General, the President of the UN General Assembly, as well as UNESCO’s Director-General. The first-panel discussion will be devoted to the education of girls and women in Afghanistan.
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