EU Re‑affirms Call to Reopen Girls’ Schools in Afghanistan

DID Press: European Union (EU) reiterated on Saturday its urgent demand that schools in Afghanistan be reopened to girls and women, condemning the continued ban on education beyond sixth grade as a deep violation of fundamental human rights. According to the union’s statement — issued in conjunction with the “International Orange Day” campaign against gender‑based violence — education is the foremost tool to prevent violence, reduce inequality, and build a safer, more stable society.

The EU warned that keeping schools closed for over four years has amplified social inequality and deprived an entire generation of young Afghan girls of their right to learn. It stressed that without equal access to education, many women remain without the skills, opportunities, or protection necessary to shape a dignified future.

Referring to findings by international agencies, the EU noted that exclusion from schooling has contributed to a marked rise in violence against women, eroding social cohesion and undermining long‑term peace. The union called on the de facto authorities — and the broader international community — to act now: reopening girls’ schools is essential not only for individual rights, but for Afghanistan’s future stability.