Amid ongoing international calls for the reopening of girls' schools, the associate director of the Women's Rights Division at Human Rights Watch said that Afghanistan is the only country on the planet kept from school because of gender. 

It has been 389 days that girls have been banned from going to schools and it's faced with lots of reactions of human rights organization.

“Today is the 389th day that girls in Afghanistan have been banned from attending secondary schools after the Taliban imposed this ban in September of 2021. This is absolutely a shameful situation which makes Afghanistan the only country on the planet which systematically denies girls access to education because of gender. This is going to have a devastating impact,” said Heather Barr, Associate director of the Women's Rights Division at Human Rights Watch.

Meanwhile, some female students above grade six and residents of the country urged the government to reopen secondary schools for girls.

"If schools are closed even for one day that is a big loss for girls and Afghanistan, I hope schools reopen for girls," said Shakila, a student.

"Girls have the same right to go to schools as boys, and Islam also emphasizes girls' education," said Najma, a student.

"Education is obligatory for men and women, from Allah," said Mohammad Zameer, a Helmand resident.

The deputy spokesman of the Islamic Emirate said efforts are continuing to reopen schools for girls above grade six.

"On this issue, officials of the Islamic Emirate have explained it to you and that is enough for now," said Billa Karimi, Deputy Spokesman for the Islamic Emirate.
In the current situation, thousands of girls are deprived of education and this is negatively affecting the Islamic Emirate's relationship with the international community.