Press Releases
Suspension of Girls’ Higher Education in Afghanistan
(Statement by Press Secretary ONO Hikariko)
December 21, 2022
- On December 20, it became obvious that the Taliban decided to suspend girls’ higher education in Afghanistan.
- Japan is deeply concerned and strongly condemns the Taliban’s further restriction of Afghan women and girls, following the decision not to re-open secondary schools to Afghan girls on March this year, despite of the relentless efforts to convey the expectations of Japan and the international community.
- It is a fundamental right for all Afghans to be guaranteed the equal access to education, regardless of gender. This is also essential for Afghanistan's future economic development.
- Japan, in coordination with the international community, will continue to urge the Taliban to fully and promptly resume the girls’education, and will continue our efforts for peace and stability in Afghanistan.