UNESCO Issues Statement Calling for the Preservation of the Basic Educational Rights of All in Afghanistan

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The international community has been witnessing the chaotic situation of people in Afghanistan since the Taliban took over. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Director-General Audrey Azoulay has stated that the basic educational rights for everyone, especially for girls and women, must continue without any hindrance even in the face of fast-changing political circumstances in the nation. 

The UNESCO Statement

In a statement, UNESCO stated that it will make every effort to assist all Afghans in achieving their right to education. It states, “Education is a fundamental human right indispensable for the exercise of other human rights and the development of Afghanistan. It is even more so at this critical time. UNESCO calls on all to guarantee the right to education without any discrimination. Students, teachers, and education personnel must have access to safe educational environments, including girls and women, who have to continue learning and teaching without any restrictions.”   

Further adding Azoulay said that the country’s great development, particularly in the field of education, should not be forgotten. Girls and women must continue receiving education. Afghanistan’s destiny is in their hands now. According to a release, UNESCO has given technical support to Afghanistan to enhance the educational sector since 1948. 

Need for Preservation

UNESCO stated that they have promoted education policy, particularly for girls, in Kabul. In its history, this educational reform was one of the greatest literacy campaigns, reaching 1.2 million Afghans, especially 800,000 women.  Recently UNESCO has aided the education organizations in promoting a safe return to school, particularly for females, in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. 

Preservation of the nation’s cultural heritage is also seminal in the purview of UNESCO. Apart from focusing on education, UNESCO on Thursday even suggested conservation of Afghanistan’s historical cultural heritage in all of its forms, as well as prevention of nation’s ancient resources from destruction and plundering.  UNESCO has urged for the protection of the nation’s history and culture despite the rapid political developments in the country after 20 years of the purposeful demolition of the Bamiyan Buddhas- that were considered to be heritage sites by the world community.