G7+ Countries Concerned Over Ban on Medical Studies in Afghanistan
The Special Representatives for Afghanistan of Canada, EU, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Norway, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Turkiye, the UK, and the US expressed concern over the ban on medical education for girls in Afghanistan and said that the decision will have devastating consequences for all Afghans.
The ban has neither been officially confirmed nor denied by the Islamic Emirate, but girls in private medical institutions across the country have been told not to attend the classes until further notice.
In the joint statement, the envoys also expressed concerns about recent security incidents in Afghanistan and asked the Islamic Emirate to continue working against terrorist attacks.
They also urged inclusive national dialogue to achieve lasting stability in Afghanistan while calling for implementation of UNSC Resolution 2721 (2023).
“The envoys highlighted the necessity to continue helping Afghans who are suffering in the ongoing humanitarian crisis with appropriate consideration for vulnerable populations,” reads the joint statement.
The special representatives for Afghanistan also reaffirmed that international NGOs are important to humanitarian work in the country.
In the joint statement, the envoys said: “Look forward to deepening engagement with neighboring countries and other countries of the region on a joint response to the developing situation in Afghanistan, including countering potential threats such as terrorism and illegal migration to regional security and stability emanating from Afghanistan.”
They also commended the efforts by the Islamic countries and the OIC for engaging with the Islamic Emirate on the rights of women and girls in Afghanistan.
The meeting, which was also attended by the deputy head of UNAMA, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights, and representatives of the World Bank and the OIC, was held in Geneva on December 16.
