UN to Taliban on allowing girls in high schools- 'Respect right to education'

New York: The Taliban's plan to prohibit girls from attending school beyond the sixth grade in Afghanistan has alarmed the United Nations Security Council.

"Members of the Security Council expressed their great concern about the Taliban's reported determination to deny girls above the sixth grade access to education in Afghanistan," according to a UNSC statement released on March 27.

On March 25, members of the Security Council heard a briefing on the right to education for all Afghans, including girls, from the Secretary-Special General's Representative for Afghanistan, Deborah Lyons.

They asked the Special Representative to the Secretary-General (SRSG) to keep the Security Council updated on progress by continuing to engage with all relevant Afghan political actors and stakeholders, including competent authorities, on this subject, as per UNAMA's mandate.

According to the statement, members of the Security Council emphasised the importance of international efforts to support Afghanistan, notably in the area of education, and emphasised UNAMA's coordinating role in this respect. The Security Council members also reaffirmed their support for the Afghan people as well as their strong commitment to Afghanistan's sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and national unity.

On Wednesday, the Taliban leadership issued an decree prohibiting female students in grades six and up from attending classes. The girls were also advised to remain at home until the Islamic Emirate made a decision.