The decree by the Afghanistan authorities in December 2022 suspending higher education for women in Afghanistan is deeply concerning and is yet another erosion of the rights of women in Afghanistan. This is in stark contrast to the aims of the current International Year of Basic Sciences for Sustainable Development, where across the world scientists are striving to ensure that science is available (to) and of benefit to everyone. This equally applies to education.

IUPAP condemns the suspension of Afghan women rights to education and stands in strong support of the International Science Council statement urging a reversal of the ban.

Throughout its 100 year history, IUPAP has spoken out not only against injustices and human rights violations of physicists and scientists, but has consistently sought to support the oppressed communities across the world. IUPAP continues to embrace and promote scientific collaboration across the world as a driver for peace.

The IUPAP Executive Council

February 7th, 2023

Ph: Afghan female students at Kabul University, 6 July 2010 (Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)