New York, United States (HRNW): UNICEF has issued a major new warning that more than 2.6 million girls in Afghanistan have been denied secondary education since 2021, making Afghanistan the only country in the world where secondary and higher education remains effectively closed to girls and women. The statement was released on 14 August 2026, one day before the fifth anniversary of the Taliban’s return to power.
UNICEF emphasized that the education restrictions are not only depriving millions of girls of their right to learn but are also creating long-term consequences for Afghanistan’s healthcare, economy, social development, and future workforce.
The organization warned that continued exclusion of girls from education threatens to deepen existing humanitarian and development challenges. Education is closely connected to children’s protection, health, economic opportunity, and participation in society.
UNICEF continues working with humanitarian and development partners to provide essential services to Afghan children and families, including health, nutrition, education, water and sanitation, and child-protection assistance.
The agency’s latest assessment also comes amid broader humanitarian funding pressures. UNICEF’s 2026 Humanitarian Action for Children appeal seeks US$7.66 billion to support approximately 73 million children living through humanitarian crises in 133 countries and territories.
The Afghanistan education crisis has therefore become a major international human-rights issue, with UNICEF and other organizations urging authorities to restore girls’ access to education and protect the rights and future opportunities of Afghan children.
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Disclaimer
This HRNW report is based on publicly available information released by UNICEF and other reliable sources. Statistics and humanitarian assessments may change as additional information becomes available. The report is published solely for journalistic and informational purposes. HRNW maintains complete editorial independence.
