Speaking to the Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA), the deputy special envoy of the UN for Afghanistan, Mette Knudsen, called the decision over the ban of girls' schools "discriminatory," saying that its impact will deeply affect the future generation in “terms of literacy and numeracy and will contribute to the cycle of poverty.”

Last month, female students above grade six were not allowed to attend their schools based on the decision made by the Islamic Emirate’s leadership.

The closing of schools faced a widespread reaction inside and outside of Afghanistan.

“The recent UN pledging conference addressing the Afghanistan humanitarian crisis resulted in pledges of more than 2 million dollars for humanitarian assistance, which is quite a commitment considering the current global situation," Knudsen said.

A number of Afghan Islamic clerics based in Pakistan issued a statement calling on the Islamic Emirate to reopen schools for girls above grade six under an Islamic structure.

This comes as some of the female teachers held gatherings in hidden places, where they protested the closure of school for girls.

“If the situation keeps going like this, it will undoubtedly drive the country toward crisis,” said Zuhra, a teacher.

“We once again call on the Islamic Emirate to immediately reopen the schools for girls,” said Naveeda Khurasani, a women’s rights activist.

The Islamic Emirate’s decision to ban girls from schools has been facing severe criticism around the world.