"Taliban Arrest Afghan Activist Advocating for Girls' Educational Rights"

Taliban authorities recently detained a young Afghan educator, Wazir Khan, who had been actively campaigning for the education rights of Afghan children, especially girls. Family members confirmed that he was apprehended from his Kabul-area residence on February 24 by four Taliban officials who work for the General Directorate of Intelligence (GDI), the Taliban's internal intelligence division.

According to Khan's brother, Amir Khan Zaland, Taliban officials arrived at Khan's home in the Butkhak neighborhood of Kabul and forcibly removed him after tying his hands and covering his eyes. Mr. Zaland expressed deep worry about his brother's situation, stating that more than a week has passed without any information regarding his brother's condition or whereabouts.

Wazir Khan had earned a reputation as a passionate advocate for children's education rights through his non-profit organization, Today Child. Since its inception in 2022, the organization focused on spreading awareness about educational rights and the importance of literacy, especially among girls, across Afghanistan's rural areas. Khan frequently traveled extensively to remote communities, distributing educational materials and encouraging local elders and tribal leaders to ensure children's access to schooling.

Speaking to The Independent, human rights advocate Samantha Leaning, who worked closely with Mr. Khan for about two years, highlighted that Khan's activism concentrated on children below the age of 12, a group allowed by the Taliban to receive education under their interpretation of Sharia law. Leaning suspected Khan's use of the "#letAfghangirlslearn" social media hashtag may have triggered the Taliban authorities' decision to arrest him. Leaning mentioned Khan had already expressed concerns about his safety prior to his detention.

The Taliban have not officially commented or confirmed Mr. Khan's arrest, adding uncertainty for his family and supporters. This instance underscores a troubling pattern, as the Taliban had previously arrested others advocating for girls’ education. Notably, in March 2023, they detained prominent education activist Matiullah Wesa after he traveled throughout Afghanistan with his mobile library, openly pressing the Taliban authorities to reverse their ban on education for girls. Wesa reportedly endured violence and abuse during his imprisonment and was released only after 215 days, subsequently withdrawing from public advocacy to maintain a low profile.

Since seizing power more than three years ago, the Taliban have maintained a harsh and controversial stance on female education, banning school attendance for girls beyond the sixth grade. These restrictions have prevented millions of Afghan girls and women from pursuing educational opportunities, significantly impacting the nation's social and cultural life.