Afghanistan - HRW: Taliban policy also jeopardizes boys' education
According to human rights activists, the education of boys is also at risk in the long term under the Taliban rule in Afghanistan. Reasons for this include changes to the curriculum, more corporal punishment and the dismissal of female teachers, who are now often replaced by unqualified teachers or not replaced at all, according to a report published on Wednesday by the human rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW).
Since coming to power again in August 2021, the Taliban have been criticized above all for their severe curtailment of women's education. Schools from the seventh grade and universities are closed to girls and women. So far, less attention has been paid to the damage caused to the education system for boys, HRW continues. The report is based on statements from pupils from the eighth grade and parents.
Subjects such as sport, art or English have often been removed from the curriculum or are no longer taught due to a lack of teachers, according to HRW. The organization also reports an increase in corporal punishment. This can be triggered by a bad haircut or possession of a cell phone. Due to the precarious economic situation in the country, financial hardship in families also means that boys have to work more often instead of studying.
The changes in schools have led to many boys becoming increasingly afraid of attending school and their hopes for the future are dwindling. "The Taliban are doing irreversible damage to the Afghan education system for both boys and girls," said Sahar Fetrat, deputy women's rights researcher at Human Rights Watch. "By damaging the country's entire education system, they risk creating a lost generation that will be deprived of quality education."
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- Human Rights Watch has raised concerns about the education system in Kabul, suggesting that the Taliban's policies may negatively impact boys' education in the long term.
- The Taliban's policy in Afghanistan, as criticized by the Government and human rights organizations like HRW, includes changes to the curriculum, increased corporal punishment, and the dismissal of female teachers, often replaced by unqualified ones.
- The education rights of women in Afghanistan have been severely affected by the Taliban's policies, with schools for girls and universities being closed and HRW report highlighting the detrimental impact on boys' education.
- Sahar Fetrat, deputy women's rights researcher at HRW, stated that the Taliban's actions are causing irreversible damage to the Afghan education system, potentially creating a "lost generation" that lacks quality education.
- The education system in London, for instance, provides several opportunities for Afghan refugees, offering a safe space for women and boys to continue their education, in stark contrast to the Taliban's policies in Afghanistan, reported by Human Rights Watch.
Source: www.stern.de
