The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said that with the beginning of the new school year in Afghanistan, more than one million girls would be barred from attending classes.

 “As the new Afghan school year starts this week, more than a million Afghan girls will be barred from attending classes,” said in a tweet.

The statement again called on the de facto government to immediately change its policies concerning girls’ education in Afghanistan.

“UNAMA reiterates its call to de facto authorities to reverse all discriminatory policies against women and girls” in the country. It adds that “they not only impede the aspirations of half of the population but are causing great damage to Afghanistan.”

Since the return of the Taliban regime to power, this is the second consecutive year that barred girls from attending secondary school nationwide. Since last December, female students have been banned from universities which have sparked global condemnation.

 Since then, girls and women have been excluded from public life and denied their rights, especially access to education and work in national and international organizations. 

 Despite massive condemnation and criticism by national and international organizations, the current regime has not intended to change its policies regarding girls’ and women’s education and employment.

Following the de facto government taking control of Afghanistan, international financial aid ceased, and the country now faces economic, humanitarian and human rights issues.