Saudi Arabia and Qatar on Wednesday urged the Taliban to reverse their ban on girls receiving university education in Afghanistan.
In a statement Wednesday, Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry said it expressed “surprise” and “regret” at the Taliban-led government’s decision.
“The Foreign Ministry expresses the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s astonishment and regret at the Afghan interim government’s decision to deny Afghan girls the right to university education, and calls on it to revoke this decision,” the ministry said.
He added that the Taliban’s move was “shocking in all Islamic countries and is contrary to granting Afghan women all their legitimate rights, chief among which is the right to education, which helps to support security, stability , development and prosperity in Afghanistan”.
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Qatar’s foreign ministry issued a similar statement, saying the country “expresses concern and disappointment with the Afghan interim government’s decision.”
“The Foreign Ministry emphasizes that these negative practices will have a significant impact on human rights, development and the economy,” the ministry said in a statement.
“As a Muslim country where women enjoy all their rights, especially education, the State of Qatar urges the Afghan interim government to review its decision in accordance with the teachings of the Islamic religion on women’s rights,” it added. .
In a 2021 Women’s Peace and Security Index published by the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace, and Security, Afghanistan ranked last out of 170 countries in terms of women’s inclusion, justice, and security. Saudi Arabia and Qatar ranked 102 and 97, respectively.
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Despite initially promising a more moderate rule that would respect the rights of women and minorities, Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers on Tuesday banned female students from attending universities with immediate effect.
Colt McCoy #12 of the Arizona Cardinals walks off the field during the third quarter of a game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field At Mile High on December 18, 2022 in Denver, Colorado.
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It was simply the latest edict of the Taliban cracking down on women’s rights and freedoms. The terror group has widely implemented its strict interpretation of Islamic or Sharia law.
They barred girls from attending middle and high school, restricted women from most jobs, and ordered them to wear head-to-toe clothing in public. Women are also prohibited from entering parks and gyms.
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The Taliban were ousted in 2001 by a US-led coalition for harboring al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, returning to power after the chaotic US exit last year.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
