The high schools for girls would remain closed until a plan is drawn up in accordance with Islamic law for them to reopen, the Taliban announced on Wednesday, backtracking on their announcement that would reopen the schools.
The girls who had returned in excitement to campuses of the three high schools around the capital Kabul on Wednesday morning were ordered to go home, teachers said, noting that many of them left in tears.
One student, remaining anonymous for security reasons, pointed out her disappointment and the feeling of total hopelessness they felt when the principal told them about the latest decision of the Taliban.
The reported closures on Wednesday were strongly condemned by both the United Nations and the United States.
The UN Mission to Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a statement it deplores the Taliban’s announcement that they are further extending their indefinite ban on female students above the 6th grade being permitted to return to school.
The US Chargé d’Affaires for Afghanistan, Ian McCary, expressed in a tweet how deeply troubled he was by the reports and called the decision very disappointing and contrary to many Taliban assurances and statements.
Female education and most employment were completely banned the last time the Taliban ruled Afghanistan, from 1996 to 2001, but after they took over the country in August 2021, the international community has made girls’ education a key demand for any future recognition of the Taliban administration.
After months of restrictions on education for high school-aged girls, the Taliban Ministry of Education had announced last week that schools would open around the country on Wednesday for all students, including girls.
However, that plan was swiftly changed on Wednesday with the ministry pointing out that schools for girls would be closed until a plan was drawn up in accordance with Islamic law and Afghan culture.
A source in the Taliban administration also confirmed that schools for girls in Kabul would be closed for now but refused to elaborate the decision.
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