A senior presidential advisor says that no one has the right to impose limitations on Afghan nationals. In reaction to the Ministry of Education’s latest edict to ban school girls above the age of 12 from singing anthem in public events, Waheed Omer, the presidential advisor on public affairs and strategic communication, said in a tweet that no individual or institution has the right to impose their will on Afghan citizens.
Mr. Omer said the Constitution of Afghanistan defines and guarantees the rights, duty, and freedom of individuals in the country. He said the relevant authorities were in contact with the leadership of the Ministry of Education (MoE) and the Ministry would soon announce its position in this regard.
Earlier last week, Najiba Arian, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Education, announced that school girls above the age of 12 should not participate in signing anthems in events.
The Decision by the MoE sparked widespread national criticism.
Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission (AIHRC) said that any restriction on children’s rights and freedoms is contrary to the principles of human rights, the convention of children’s rights, and the Afghan laws.
The British government also announced that it would urgently investigate the proposed edict to ban schoolgirls from singing anthems in UK-funded schools.
The decision by the Afghan ministry of education was made at a time when the government is seeking a power-sharing deal with the Taliban.
Some critics of the edict blame the education authorities, calling it a lip service paid to the Taliban in advance.
