European Union condemns education restrictions for women in Afghanistan

The European Union has condemned the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan for ongoing human rights violations and gender-based discrimination. During UNESCO’s 225th Executive Board meeting, the EU expressed alarm regarding the deterioration of rights for women and girls, specifically highlighting the ban on public education for girls beyond Grade 6. This restriction currently affects more than 2.2 million girls.

The EU called for an unconditional reversal of these policies and emphasized that while alternative learning opportunities provided by UNESCO are welcome, they cannot substitute for formal, inclusive, and quality education. The bloc also raised concerns regarding threats to Afghanistan’s cultural heritage, including illegal archaeological excavations and the illicit trafficking of cultural goods.

In response, IEA spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid stated that education for girls above Grade 6 remains under review. Meanwhile, the EU reaffirmed its support for independent Afghan media, civil society organizations, and human rights defenders. The EU and UNESCO previously launched a €4.7 million partnership in 2025 to promote economic empowerment through literacy training and skills development in the country.