UN concerned about ban on education for women and girls in Afghanistan

"We issued yesterday evening statement in which the Secretary-General said that he was deeply alarmed by news reports that the Taliban have suspended access of universities to women and girls. He reiterated that the denial of education not only violates the equal rights of women and girls but will have a devastating impact on the country's future," said Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, Report informs.

The Secretary-General urged the de facto authorities to ensure equal access to education at all levels for all women and girls.

The UN Mission on the ground (UNAMA) meanwhile will continue to engage with relevant Taliban representatives to discuss the decision:

"Our teams also noted that the steps taken by the de facto authorities to exclude women and girls from education, the workplace and other areas of life increase the risk of forced and underage marriage, violence and abuse against women and girls. As of now, coordination and delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance by the UN is continuing.

Our team in the country has pointed out that the UN estimates that restricting women from working can result in an economic loss of up to $1 billion — or up to 5% of Afghan's gross domestic product."