Japanese embassy expresses disappointment at girls not being allowed back to school

The Japanese embassy in Kabul has expressed disappointment at girls not being allowed back to school as a new academic year begins in Afghanistan.

In tweet in Farsi on Wednesday, the embassy said:

“As the new academic year begin, we express our deep disappointment that secondary schools and universities are closed to girls. Girls should be given equal educational opportunities as boys. This is essential for the future of Afghanistan.

“Japan will continue its support for the education sector in Afghanistan and hopes that girls will soon return to schools and universities.”

The Taliban banned girls from secondary schools soon after returning to power in August 2021 and banned them from universities in December 2022.

Despite international condemnations and pleas, the Taliban has refused to change or reverse its policies.