The United Nations has expressed concern over the continued closure of schools for girls above sixth grade in Afghanistan, stressing that every girl, without exception, deserves safety, opportunity, and the hope that education provides. In a statement posted on X on Sunday, 9 Hamal, the organization said that education must not be delayed for any child. The 1405 academic year in Afghanistan began two days ago; however, girls above sixth grade are still barred from attending school. The Taliban banned education for this group of girls after taking control of Kabul in 2021. Over the past nearly five years, international organizations and countries have repeatedly called for the restoration of girls’ right to education in Afghanistan. The United Nations also warned that 273 million children worldwide are currently out of school, a figure that has increased for the seventh consecutive year, while progress in keeping children in school has slowed since 2015.
