Story perspectives

UN Warns Afghan Girls’ School Bans Are “Crime Against Humanity”

8/19/2026

Summary

Taliban Ban Education

The Taliban has kept bans on education for Afghan women beyond sixth grade since Aug. 15, 2021.
UN rapporteur Richard Bennett called the bans a crime against humanity of gender persecution.
UNESCO reports 2.4 million girls barred from secondary school, including 16-year-old Fariba, who reportedly died by suicide in July 2026 after being denied schooling.
UN Women says the humanitarian response needs $1.7 billion, yet only about a quarter is funded.

Summary

Afghans Facing Deportation

Pakistan and Iran have deported 5.2 million Afghan asylum seekers in the past year, risking forced return to Taliban rule.
Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the Afghan LEE program’s approvals now exceed the total visas granted by all previous ministers since 2012, after it certified 2,059 applications and resettled over 5,700 Afghans.
India’s diplomatic reception welcomed Taliban officials, including Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, and noted $1 billion in bilateral trade.

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Taliban Ban Education

The Taliban has kept bans on education for Afghan women beyond sixth grade since Aug. 15, 2021.
UN rapporteur Richard Bennett called the bans a crime against humanity of gender persecution.
UNESCO reports 2.4 million girls barred from secondary school, including 16-year-old Fariba, who reportedly died by suicide in July 2026 after being denied schooling.
UN Women says the humanitarian response needs $1.7 billion, yet only about a quarter is funded.

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