The United Nations said on Tuesday that a prominent Afghan advocate for girls’ education had been arrested in Kabul this week, and requested an explanation from the Taliban.
Monday, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) published a statement confirming the arrest of Pen Path leader and champion for girls’ education Matiullah Wesa. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has urged the de facto government to clarify where he is, why he was detained, and how he may contact his family and legal counsel.
Wesa, a native of the southern province of Kandahar, has been a longtime advocate for the education of females, particularly in traditional rural areas. Under the previous foreign government sponsored by the West, he asserts that many rural females did not get school services. His group, Pen Path, has spoken with tribal elders, advocated for the construction of new educational facilities, and distributed books and mobile libraries.
The Taliban administration has prohibited the majority of female students from entering high school or university, claiming concerns with topics such as Islamic attire for women. Officials have declared the reopening of schools, although no specific date has been offered.
They assert that women’s rights are safeguarded by Islamic law and Afghan custom and that after the withdrawal of foreign soldiers, many more children may feel secure attending school.
Wesa said last year that he has no political positions in his work and is only attempting to help communities in prioritizing the education of women.
