New York (Web Desk): The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have raised serious concerns about the ongoing education crisis in Afghanistan.
A joint report released by the two agencies, titled "Afghanistan Education Situation Report 2025," highlights the alarming state of education in the country, revealing that more than 90% of 10-year-old children in Afghanistan cannot even read basic text.
According to the report, 2.13 million children are currently out of school, and those who do attend are failing to acquire even the most fundamental knowledge.
The situation is especially dire for girls, as a four-year ban on girls' education has deprived 2.2 million girls of their right to education. If the ban continues, the report warns that by 2030, almost 4 million girls will miss out on secondary education entirely.
The report also highlights a 40% decline in boys' enrollment in higher education between 2019 and 2024. It notes that many schools across the country lack basic facilities, including clean water and other essential amenities, with more than 1,000 schools having been closed.
The joint UNICEF and UNESCO report stresses that the education restrictions in Afghanistan are having long-term and severe effects on the country’s social and economic stability. The agencies urge the Taliban to shift their focus from supporting terrorist activities to prioritizing the education and well-being of the Afghan population.