US special envoy is 'hopeful' that the Taliban would reverse their decision to restrict girls' education

Thomas West, the US special envoy for Afghanistan, expressed optimism that the Taliban will reconsider their decision to prohibit young girls from attending school and instead enable them to receive an education.

Speaking at the Doha Forum on Saturday, West said he wanted to see the Taliban announce that all Afghan females will be returning to school in the coming days, according to Khaama Press. According to Khaama Press, the special representative accused the Taliban of breaking pledges made to the Afghan people.

"I believe hope is not lost. I’ve talked to a lot of Afghans here who also believe that. I’m hopeful that we will see a reversal of this decision in the coming days," said the US special envoy.

Previously, the Taliban leadership passed an edict prohibiting female pupils in grades six and upwards from attending courses. The girls were also advised to remain at home until the Islamic Emirate made its next decision.

Dozens of female students came to the streets in Afghanistan's capital city of Kabul, asking that the Taliban leadership reverse its decision to prohibit girls from attending school beyond the sixth grade.

Protesters chanted "education is our absolute right" and demanded the reopening of schools for females in grades 7-12 across Afghanistan, according to Tolo News.

Women and girls, according to HRW, are also denied access to health care. According to reports, women and girls who are victims of assault have no way out.

Allowing females to attend schools and other educational institutions has been one of the international community's primary requests.

The majority of nations have declined to formally recognise the Taliban, citing concerns over their treatment of girls and women, as well as other human rights violations.