The European Parliament condemned the recent education ban on girls imposed by the Taliban in Afghanistan which has been extended to girls in seventh grade and above.
On Thursday, MEPs adopted a resolution which called for a reversal of these restrictions, while noting previous commitments by the Taliban that they would ensure access to education for all citizens.
MEPs deplored the steadily deteriorating situation of women and girls in Afghanistan since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021.
"Parliament condemns their persistent focus on erasing women and girls from public life and denying their most fundamental rights, including to education, work, movement and healthcare."
Amid a worsening human rights situation and following a recent decision, Afghan women are no longer allowed to travel distances of more than 45 miles (72 km) from their home without the accompaniment of a close male relative.
MEPs commended the bravery of the girls and women who are taking part in street protests against these developments and the Taliban’s rule, and called on both the EU and its member states to increase their support for women’s rights’ activists in the country.
Parliament also emphasised that the EU delegation in Kabul, re-establishing a minimal presence on the ground for the purpose of coordinating humanitarian aid and monitoring the humanitarian situation, does not constitute recognition of the Taliban regime by the European Union.
The resolution will be available in full here
