Kenichi Masamoto, Japan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan, highlighted ongoing engagement between his country and Afghanistan, describing education as a critical concern for the international community and urging the development of suitable solutions in this area.
kabul 24: The ambassador stated that Japan expects the Islamic Emirate to make significant progress in key areas such as security, counter-narcotics efforts, human rights, women’s rights—particularly access to education—and overall safety.
He believes such advancements would help Afghanistan draw closer to and integrate more effectively with the global community.In his remarks, Ambassador Masamoto said: “The education of girls is an issue that attracts the attention of the international community, and Japan, as part of that community, pays close attention to it.
At the same time, we are present here, we understand the realities on the ground, and we respect local perspectives and values. While honoring those views, we encourage the expansion of girls’ education at secondary and higher levels.
I hope the government and people of Afghanistan reach a decision that is beneficial for their own future and compatible with the expectations of the international community.”Meanwhile, several girls who have been barred from education beyond grade six renewed their calls for the reopening of closed school and university doors.
Shabana, a university student, expressed: “We want the university gates to open so we can achieve our goals and graduate.” Heda, another student, added: “I dreamed of becoming a successful journalist, but now our future remains completely uncertain.”Women’s rights activists continue to demand full support from the Islamic Emirate for all women’s rights, including the right to education.
Tafsir Siahposh, a women’s rights activist, commented: “Despite widespread international support for girls’ education, unfortunately the Islamic Emirate has so far failed to make any clear decision regarding women’s right to learn and study.”The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has consistently maintained that the issue of girls’ education is an internal matter and has called on foreign countries and international organizations to refrain from interfering in Afghanistan’s domestic affairs. Officials stress that any decisions on this topic will be made in accordance with Islamic values and the country’s internal conditions.
The Japanese ambassador’s comments reflect continued diplomatic pressure from the international community on Kabul to restore access to education for girls, while Afghan girls remain hopeful yet uncertain about reclaiming their fundamental right to schooling.
This issue continues to be one of the major points of contention in Afghanistan’s relations with the outside world.
