FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

December 22, 2022

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AAF Responds to Taliban Banning Women and Girls from Universities and Schools Across Afghanistan

(Washington, DC) – Since August of 2021, the Taliban regime has systematically disappeared Afghan women and girls from society. In the past 48 hours alone, they have issued edicts banning women from attending public or private universities and girls from attending elementary school. Furthermore, it is clear that the curriculum that awaits many young boys is one steeped in extremist and regressive ideology.

If not before, it should be clear now that the Taliban have not evolved or changed. In fact, they have doubled down on their depravity and imposed gender apartheid in a country that was until recently poised to be led by women. We demand that U.S. policymakers use all available levers of unilateral influence on the Taliban as well as those that exist with partners in the international community to pressure the Taliban to respect the dignity and basic human rights of all Afghans, regardless of gender. This includes the right to a well-rounded and sound education, a right which should never be qualified or limited by geopolitical calculations or engagement strategies.

Afghanistan has quickly become the worst place in the world to be a woman. In today’s Afghanistan, girls have little hope of ever attending school, choosing a career, or even walking freely in a public park. We cannot become numb to this level of depravity and deprivation, nor can we continue to show this level of indifference to the outrageous actions of the Taliban. The Biden administration and Congress must respond and engage with more than hollow statements and half-hearted criticism. Time is running out.

The Afghan-American Foundation is a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization representing and advancing the interests of Afghans and Afghan-Americans through advocacy, research, education and engagement.

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