Sadat: The ban on girls’ education is a violation of international commitments

Nargis Sadat, a human rights activist, says that banning education for girls above the sixth grade is not only depriving a generation of the right to learn, but also systematically excluding them from participating in Afghanistan’s cultural, social, and political life.
In response to the continued closure of schools for girls above the sixth grade, Ms. Sadat said that the ongoing and structured denial of girls’ right to education can be considered one of the clearest cases of human rights violations and a breach of international commitments regarding the right to education, equality, and non-discrimination.
The human rights activist added that, based on recognized international documents, the right to education is an inherent, inalienable, and non-suspendable right, and denying it raises serious questions about the legitimacy of social and political structures.
According to Nargis Sadat, the ban on girls’ education is more than an internal issue; it is a test for the collective conscience of society and the international community. She said that remaining silent in the face of it means normalizing injustice and weakening the fundamental principles of human rights.
Ms. Sadat also said that civil resistance, public awareness, and the legitimate pursuit of rights are more important than ever. She added that the immediate and unconditional reopening of schools for girls is not only a social demand, but also a legal and humanitarian obligation.
After the Taliban returned to power, education for girls above the sixth grade was banned, and this restriction has continued for the past five years.