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Afghanistan: Education

Asked by Sir Iain Duncan SmithConservativeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 12 January 2026UIN 103187

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions her Department has had with its international partners and relevant authorities on restrictions on girls’ access to education in Afghanistan.

Answered by Mr Hamish Falconer

The UK Government condemns the Taliban's ban on girls' secondary and higher education in Afghanistan. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials consistently raise human rights concerns, including the ban on girls' education, in engagements with the Taliban, including during every visit to Kabul. The UK works closely with international partners to sustain pressure on the Taliban, including through our chairmanship of the G7+ group of countries, our membership of the Afghanistan Coordination Group and engagement through the UN and the Human Rights Council.

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