A top diplomatic official is calling on the Afghan government to lift the ban as it deprives girls of the ability to plan their own future and contribute to society.
A top diplomatic official is calling on the Afghan government to lift the ban as it deprives girls of the ability to plan their own future and contribute to society.
Beth Van Schaack, the US ambassador-at-large for global criminal justice, has strongly condemned the ban on girls’ education imposed by the current Afghan government, stating that it is one of the most unconscionable acts perpetrated by the Afghan authorities.
The US ambassador has been engaged in meetings with the Taliban and has stated that they are advocating for the relaxation of some of the restrictions, particularly those related to girls’ education.
She strongly emphasized that denying young girls the right to education is one of the most unscrupulous acts committed by the Taliban, as it deprives them of the ability to plan their own future and contribute to the betterment of society. In her engagements with the Taliban, she and others are continuously urging for these restrictions to be eased.
Van Schaack also mentioned that the International Criminal Court has an ongoing investigation and is prioritizing prosecuting crimes committed by the Taliban.
The official noted that the ICC has appointed a senior special advisor on gender persecution and has developed a comprehensive policy on prosecuting gender persecution. While no charges have been filed yet, it is anticipated that charges related to gender persecution and other crimes committed by the Taliban and other non-state actors may be forthcoming, and this is an area to watch in terms of international legal proceedings.
The Taliban has not made any official statement regarding this matter, but they have indicated in the past that the ban on female education is not intended to be permanent, and they have expressed a desire to find solutions to the issue.
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated US commitment to girls’ education in Afghanistan while maintaining a focus on supporting Afghan women without endorsing the Taliban.
Human Rights Watch had previously criticized restrictions on Afghan women. Meanwhile, a Care International report revealed that 80% of Afghan school-age girls and young women are currently denied access to education under the Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan.
Former UK Prime Minister Gordon Brown characterized the treatment of Afghan women and girls as “gender apartheid” and called for the imposition of sanctions on the Taliban and those directly responsible for these policies.
