IOM Supports Afghanistan's Girls' Relocation To School In Rwanda

Afghan children take free classes held by a young teacher in Kandahar, Afghanistan, Tuesday (11/13/2022). (Between/Xinhua/Argand/am)

JAKARTA - The International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Friday (10/3) said it supports the relocation of Afghan girls to Rwanda to continue their education.

The support follows the Taliban's decision to prohibit women and girls from getting secondary and advanced education.

These girls were among foreign students registered at the Afghan Leadership School (SOLA) a special boarding school for Afghan women originally based in Kabul, before being forced to move to Rwanda following the Taliban's ban, according to information from IOM.

In December, the Taliban expanded the ban on women's education, which last banned women from studying at universities indefinitely.

The Taliban also prohibits women from working both in government and private organizations.

Since August 2021, following the return of power after US-backed Kabul government officials left the country and foreign forces were withdrawn, the Taliban imposed a number of restrictions on women forcing many professionals to leave Afghanistan.

IOM stated, as the first and only school, SOLA provides a safe space for Afghan girls to get secondary education, with a vision of forming a generation of women leaders.

"The dedication and strength of Afghan women and girls in the face of difficulties has inspired and made us humble every day," said IOM Director General Antonio Vitorino as reported by Antara.

He continued that the initiative gave him hope and determination to continue supporting women and girls in the country so that Afghanistan recognizes, promotes and builds contributions to women, and invests in girls.

The arrival of girls in Rwanda follows an agreement between IOM and SOLA to help arrange safe travel for students who are already outside Afghanistan from their early country to campus in Rwanda.