“For Afghan girls, the earth is unbearable, and the sky is unreachable” – Atefa, a 16-year-old girl.

The Left in the European Parliament joins international voices of condemnation and outrage at the Taliban’s prohibition of women from all educational institutions in Afghanistan.

Since the Taliban took power last year, the situation facing women and girls has become increasingly desperate as women’s rights disappear and a system of gender apartheid has been established. 

Women protesting against the move, and seeking to protect their basic civil and political rights, have been met with violent beatings, kidnappings and harassment from the Taliban.

The Left demands urgent EU action to improve access for Afghan refugees trying to reach safety in Europe and increased educational support for Afghan girls. Solutions to address the country’s worsening humanitarian and human rights situation must urgently be found.