On World Teachers' Day, October 5 (13 Mizan), the Taliban government did not issue any official message to commemorate the occasion, in contrast to many countries and international organizations. Furthermore, Taliban officials have reportedly prevented schools in several provinces from holding ceremonies to honor teachers.
According to Afghanistan International, several teachers in Kabul, Balkh, and Herat confirmed that Taliban authorities instructed schools to refrain from organizing any events for Teachers' Day. A review of official social media pages belonging to the Taliban's Ministry of Education and other departments shows that no statements or congratulations were published for the day.
This silence comes as UNESCO, UNICEF, and the International Labour Organization marked the day with official statements. October 5 was designated as World Teachers' Day by UNESCO in 1994. This year, UNESCO celeated the 60th anniversary of the 1966 Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers with the theme, "Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status, and shaping our future."
A teacher in Kabul told Afghanistan International, "A ceremony was planned at our school to appreciate the teachers, but we were told that schools are not allowed to celeate Teachers' Day." Similarly, in Balkh province, a teacher using the pseudonym Lina Karimi said the Taliban's education department ordered schools not to hold any ceremonies.
In contrast, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai released a message appreciating the country's educators. He stated that despite limited resources and difficult conditions, teachers have honestly fulfilled their duty of educating future generations. Karzai also reiterated the importance of education for both girls and boys, calling it vital for Afghanistan's independence and dignity.
The Taliban government's disregard for World Teachers' Day occurs as Afghanistan remains the only country in the world where girls are banned from education beyond the sixth grade. For over five years, these extensive restrictions on girls' and women's education have been a primary focus of international criticism against the Taliban. While the world speaks of teachers "shaping the future," some Afghan educators report they were not even permitted to hold a small ceremony this year.
Source: Afghanistan International
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