The European Union Parliament has passed a resolution, expressing “deep concern” over the Taliban's decision to continue the ban on education for senior girls and other restrictions imposed by the Islamist regime. EU lawmakers have also asked the Taliban to reverse these restrictions.  

Last month, hours after opening the schools for senior girls, the group ordered the closure of schools for senior girls for an indefinite period, prompting strong condemnation both within and outside the country. Western countries, rights organizations had also condemned the group’s move to ban girls from education. 

The EU parliament, in a resolution adopted on Thursday, asked the Taliban to honor their previous commitments where they had promised to respect the rights of women and girls, including their access to work and education.

"Amid a worsening human rights situation and following a recent decision, Afghan women are no longer allowed to travel distances of more than 45 miles (72 km) from their home without the accompaniment of a close male relative," lawmakers noted in the resolution. 

Since August 2021, when the Taliban returned to power, most of the country’s hard-earned progress in human rights and social sectors has been reversed. The country’s economy has also plunged. 

EU lawmakers also deplored the steadily deteriorating situation of women and girls in Afghanistan since the Taliban's return to power in 2021. Parliament condemned their persistent focus on erasing women and girls from public life and denying their most fundamental rights, including education, work, movement, and healthcare.

Since its return to power, the Taliban’s interim government, made up of almost all-male Pashtun Taliban, has failed to win recognition by the international community. Furthermore, in recent months, the group has showed little signs of cooperation and understanding with the concerns of the regional and the international community.

The EU, which has established a minimal diplomatic presence in Kabul, said the move is for coordination, humanitarian and relief efforts and is in no way a recognition of the Taliban’s government.  

(SAM)