UN chief urges Taliban to lift 'unjustifiable' education ban on Afghan girls

Afghan girls attend a religious school, which remained open since the Taliban's takeover more than two years ago, in Kabul, Afghanistan, Aug 11, 2022. [AP Photo]

"This is an unjustifiable violation of human rights that inflicts long-lasting damage on the entire country," Antonio Guterres said on X (formerly Twitter). "Girls belong in school. Let them back in," he added. His statement marks two years since the de facto rulers imposed an education ban.

The Taliban seized power from an internationally backed government in August 2021 and have since imposed sweeping restrictions on Afghan women's access to education and work. They have banned girls from school beyond sixth grade, making Afghanistan the only country in the world with restrictions on education for females.