On the occasion of World Teachers' Day, October 5, the United Nations praised Afghan teachers for their "passion, knowledge, and commitment" and expressed hope that Afghan women can continue to learn and play a role in educating the next generation. The organization called for the restoration of the right to secondary and higher education for girls and women in Afghanistan.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) said in a statement on Monday that young girls in Afghanistan have been deprived of secondary education and the opportunities it provides for their future. The agency emphasized that despite this deprivation, Afghan girls continue to pursue their dreams and that "the right of girls to secondary and higher education must be restored."
The UNICEF statement noted that Afghanistan is facing a shortage of skilled female professionals, while the ban on girls' education deprives the next generation, which is meant to replace these women, of educational opportunities. The ban has been in place for schools beyond the sixth grade since September 2021 and for universities since December 2022.
The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) also commended Afghan teachers, especially those working in rural areas under difficult conditions with limited resources. UNAMA added that in a world increasingly influenced by artificial intelligence and misinformation, the role of teachers is more crucial than ever.
According to UN assessments, if the ban on girls' education continues until 2030, the number of girls deprived of education beyond the primary level will exceed four million. UNESCO previously stated that in the five years since the Taliban returned to power, more than two million girls have been barred from continuing their education.
UNICEF has warned that the continuation of these restrictions diminishes Afghanistan's ability to train a future generation of female professionals. The agency estimates that by 2030, Afghanistan could face a shortage of about 20,000 female teachers and 5,400 female healthcare workers.
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which designated October 5 as World Teachers' Day in 1994, also stressed the need to support teachers and improve their professional status worldwide. The organization said teachers face challenges such as digital technologies, climate change, and migration, and require more support and better working conditions to fulfill their roles effectively.
Source: United Nations
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