KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) marked World Day of Social Justice on Friday by calling for equal access to education and inclusive participation in decision-making across the country.
In a post on social media, UNAMA said no country can achieve social justice when half its population is denied secondary education. The mission said social justice in Afghanistan means that every citizen has the right to work with dignity, access education, and participate in inclusive dialogue without discrimination.
“Sustainable peace in Afghanistan requires the meaningful participation of women, young people, ethnic communities, and people with disabilities in decision-making processes,” UNAMA added.
The United Nations designated February 20 as World Day of Social Justice at a 1995 summit in Copenhagen to promote equal rights and combat discrimination, inequality, and social exclusion.
In a separate statement, the United Nations said social justice cannot be achieved without access to quality education, fair employment opportunities, and comprehensive social protection systems, warning that deep inequalities persist worldwide.
“Around the world, people continue to grapple with deep inequalities,” the UN said. “Social justice for all means access to quality education, decent work, and universal social protection.”
Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban have systematically rolled back rights for women and girls. The group first banned secondary education for girls, later extending restrictions to universities, most forms of employment, public spaces, gyms, long-distance travel without a male guardian, and broader participation in public and civic life.
Human rights experts, activists, and international organizations have described the policies as a form of gender apartheid. In July 2025, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for senior Taliban leaders, including the group’s leader and chief justice, for crimes against humanity related to gender persecution.
The Taliban reject international criticism, saying their policies are based on Islamic law and Afghan traditions. Despite repeated appeals from foreign governments, including Muslim-majority countries, and international organizations, restrictions on women and girls remain in place, limiting their access to education, employment, and public life.
