Number Of Afghan Girls Deprived Of Education Could Top 4 Mln By 2030 -- UNESCO

MOSCOW, March 9 (Bernama-Sputnik/RIA Novosti) -- Restrictions imposed by the Taliban on women and girls in Afghanistan have already affected about one and a half million students, and the number of girls deprived of education could exceed four million if these restrictions continue, the UN specialised agency for education, science and culture (UNESCO) said in a statement.

"Afghanistan is now the only country in the world where girls do not have the right to attend secondary school. To date, these restrictions have affected around 1.5 million Afghan girls. According to new UNESCO data, if the ban continues until 2030, over 4 million girls will be affected," the statement said, as reported by Sputnik/RIA Novosti.

The organisation emphasised that this setback had come after years of progress in women's rights and education in Afghanistan, indicating a loss of previously achieved gains. Such restrictions affect not only the future of individual girls, but also the societal and economic development of Afghanistan as a whole.

According to the news portal Khaama Press, despite the fact that international organisations, including UNESCO, continue to highlight the serious negative consequences of such policies, the situation of Afghan women and girls remains dire. Without access to education and basic rights, they are systematically deprived of opportunities that could improve their lives and contribute to the reconstruction of the country.

In the long term, this systemic discrimination will lead to serious social consequences, limiting Afghanistan's ability to progress economically, socially and politically. International pressure and support for Afghan women are needed to push for policy changes that promote equality, education and opportunity for all, the publication noted.

--BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI