After Afghan Women, the Future of the Country’s Youth Is Now Also at Risk

Kabul/New York: After closing the doors of education and employment to women, the Taliban regime in Afghanistan is now depriving young Afghans of their fundamental right to education, placing their future in serious jeopardy.

The United Nations and international media organisations have expressed grave concern over widespread human rights violations and the continuing collapse of Afghanistan’s education system.

UNESCO Report: Record Decline in Higher Education

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has reported a severe decline in the number of students enrolled in higher education in Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power.

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said:

“The Afghan Taliban regime has committed grave human rights violations by depriving millions of citizens of their fundamental rights.”

Decline of Educational Institutions and Strict Regulations

Students subjected to physical violence: Afghan students say universities have imposed extremely strict Taliban regulations concerning beards and clothing. Even minor violations of these rules reportedly result in students being subjected to severe physical punishment.

Departure of professors and collapse in education standards: According to a report by The Guardian, many of Afghanistan’s experienced and qualified professors have left the country, causing educational standards at leading universities to fall dramatically.

Lack of international attention: The Guardian also highlighted that the deteriorating condition of Afghan students studying under Taliban rule is not being seriously raised at major international forums.

Human Rights Abuses and an Uncertain Future

According to international analysts and observers, the Taliban’s policies are paralysing educational institutions and damaging the intellectual and professional development of a new generation.

Indian journalist Dharam Jyot stated that severe restrictions on education and employment represent one of the worst forms of exploitation of the Afghan people’s fundamental rights. He added that Afghanistan’s current government has become one of the world’s most serious examples of systematic human rights violations.