UN condemns ban on Afghan women’s access to higher education and calls for repeal of measure

On 21 December 2022, after the Taliban government decreed a ban on women’s access to higher education, several UN spokespersons condemned the decision.

Taliban’s decision to ban women from higher education is a terrible regression and imperils the future of all of Afghanistan.

Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director General vía Linkedin

Antonio Guterres, United Nations Secretary-General, said “I am deeply shocked by reports that the Taliban have suspended women & girls’ access to universities”, and urged the Taliban to ensure equal access to education for all in Afghanistan. Read the UN story.

“The reported decision by the de facto authorities in Afghanistan to ban women from attending university is another appalling and cruel blow to the rights of Afghan women and girls and a deeply regrettable setback for the entire country,” said Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in a web statement.

For UNESCO IESALC it is vital that women and other equity-deserving groups have access to higher education, and that the issue is placed on the international agenda as a social justice imperative, based on equal opportunities and human rights for all.

The Institute calls the international community to support the right to higher education for all without any form of discrimination, to advance on the United Nations Agenda 2030, whose goals 4 and 5 call for ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all; and achieving gender equality and empowerment of all women and girls.

More information on UNESCO’s support to Education in Afghanistan