By Janet Ekstract
ISTANBUL- On Wednesday, the Turkish Foreign Ministry in response to the Taliban’s latest ban on women attending university, declared that education is a fundamental human right that everyone should benefit from. In a formal written statement, the ministry commented: “We are saddened and concerned about the ban on education for female students in higher education in Afghanistan.” The statement further reiterated that education is a universal right and that no one should be deprived of it and that it should be based on equality without discrimination.The Turkish Foreign Ministry has called on the Afghan authorities to review the decision and take the necessary steps to rectify the situation.
On Tuesday, the Taliban’s Higher Education Ministry announced the ban on women’s university education with immediate effect and until further notice. This latest ban further isolates Afghan women from society and leading a public life. Prior to the Taliban regaining power, Afghan women were working and attending university for almost 20 years until American troops pulled out of Afghanistan, leaving a political void that allowed the Taliban to retake power.
