The Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan faces international pressure due to its stance on fundamental human rights, particularly regarding education for girls. The refusal to allow girls access to secondary and higher education has drawn criticism not only from the UN-led West but also from neighboring countries like Pakistan, Iran, and China. This issue was highlighted during a special envoys’ meeting in Doha, where UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the importance of girls’ education and women’s rights.
The global consensus is clear: the exclusion of females from education and employment is unacceptable. The Taliban’s reluctance to address these concerns poses a challenge to engaging with the international community and receiving economic-humanitarian assistance. While the Taliban have started accommodating teenage girls for secondary education in traditional seminaries, this approach falls short of meeting international standards.
The dilemma facing the international community lies in balancing the Taliban’s expectations for recognition and integration with global concerns about human rights and women’s empowerment. The need to break this deadlock is crucial for Afghanistan’s reintegration into the global system and economic development.