The European Union made a strong statement on Thursday condemning the Taliban’s latest actions that infringe on human rights and hinder women’s educational opportunities. This reaction comes after reports emerged indicating that the Taliban’s leader directed both private and public institutions in Afghanistan to cease offering medical courses for women and girls.

Despite the media coverage, the Taliban has not yet confirmed these orders, nor have they provided a response to the accusations. The spokesman for the Public Health Ministry was unreachable for comments regarding the situation.

Since regaining control of Afghanistan in September 2021, the Taliban instituted a ban on education for girls beyond the sixth grade. The situation deteriorated further in December 2022 when they prohibited women from attending universities altogether.

Medical education, which includes essential fields like nursing and midwifery, was previously one of the few avenues available for women to continue their education in a classroom setting. Reports from various media sources, including the BBC, indicate that five educational institutions across the country have received directives from the Taliban to halt their operations until further notice. As a result, female students training to become midwives and nurses were told not to attend classes on Wednesday.

The European Union expressed that this recent reported decision by the Taliban is yet another significant violation of fundamental human rights and an indefensible assault on women’s educational access in Afghanistan. In its statement, the EU articulated its grave concerns regarding this decision and highlighted its potentially far-reaching consequences, including exacerbating the ongoing humanitarian crisis and worsening the plight of the Afghan population.

Furthermore, the EU urged the Taliban to withdraw such policies, emphasizing the need to allow women and girls the right to education and support their fundamental human rights.