The United Nations has warned about the widespread deprivation of education for girls in Afghanistan, describing it as one of the country’s serious social and economic challenges.
Stephan Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, announced on Tuesday, April 27, that according to a report by UNICEF (the United Nations Children’s Fund), Afghanistan has one of the lowest female literacy rates in the world.
The report states that the continued restrictions imposed by the Taliban on women’s education and employment could have widespread and long-term consequences.
According to this data, currently around 1 million girls are deprived of access to education, and if this situation persists, it is predicted that this number will increase to more than 2 million by 2030.
The report also emphasizes that by 2030, around 20,000 female teachers and 5,400 female health workers will be excluded from the education and healthcare sectors, which could have significant impacts on social structures and public services.
The UN added that this trend will lead to an economic loss of nearly 84 million dollars annually and could further challenge the country’s development.
In another part of the report, the security situation is also addressed, mentioning that as a result of an attack by Pakistan on Kunar province, 7 people were killed and 79 others injured.
It is also reported that as a result of this event, more than 100,000 people have been displaced and are in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.
