Five years after the Taliban returned to power, 2.4 million girls in Afghanistan are excluded from secondary education, according to a new UNESCO report. The agency warns the policy is causing lasting social and economic damage to the country.
UNESCO also projects that the number of out-of-school girls could rise to four million by 2030 if the Taliban does not reverse its ban. The report highlights the ongoing denial of education as a critical barrier to Afghanistan's development.
The figures underscore the scale of the exclusion, which has continued since the Taliban took control in 2021. Secondary school attendance for girls has been halted nationwide, leaving an entire generation without access to formal education.
UNESCO called the situation a serious concern, noting that the consequences will be felt for years in terms of reduced opportunities for women and weaker economic growth. The agency urged international attention and action to press for a policy change.
The report does not specify which grades are affected, but secondary education typically covers older students. The Taliban has not publicly responded to the latest findings.