In an extensive investigation conducted by Human Rights Watch, alarming findings have emerged regarding the state of boys' education in Afghanistan under the Taliban's rule. The report, based on interviews with 22 boys and 5 parents from various provinces in Afghanistan, sheds light on the concerning challenges faced by boys in accessing quality education.

One of the most striking developments highlighted in the report is the dismissal of all female teachers from boys' schools by the Taliban. This has resulted in a shortage of qualified teachers, leaving many boys to be taught by unqualified instructors or left with no teacher at all. The absence of female educators has had a detrimental impact on the education system, leading to a decline in educational quality.

The report also highlights the alarming increase in the use of corporal punishment in schools. Boys and parents interviewed recounted distressing instances of officials beating boys in front of the entire school community, often for trivial offenses such as haircut or clothing infractions. The use of violence and humiliation as a means of punishment not only inflicts unnecessary pain and suffering but also disrupts children's educational success and mental well-being.

Furthermore, the Taliban's axing of important subjects such as arts, sports, English, and civic education from the curriculum has further compromised the quality of education for boys. This has left students feeling unprepared and lacking crucial knowledge in various fields. Students expressed their frustration, with one grade 12 student lamenting that they now only have teachers for half of the subjects and must resort to taking private classes, which his family struggles to afford.

The impact of these changes on boys' education has been staggering. Fears among boys about attending school have heightened, resulting in falling attendance rates and a sense of hopelessness for the future. Additionally, the country's deepening humanitarian and economic crises have placed greater burdens on boys to work and support their families, forcing many to abandon their education. This has contributed to an increase in anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems among boys, further exacerbated by the lack of mental health services.

While the Taliban has not prohibited boys' education beyond sixth grade, their actions undermine access to education for all children and violate Afghanistan's international obligations to provide education to all. The discriminatory ban on girls' education perpetuated by the Taliban also affects boys negatively, by reinforcing harmful gender norms and placing greater pressure on them to be the sole financial providers for their families.

The Human Rights Watch report calls for concerned governments and UN agencies to urge the Taliban to end their discriminatory ban on girls' education and to ensure safe and quality education for all children. This includes rehiring all female teachers, reforming the curriculum in line with international human rights standards, and putting an end to all forms of corporal punishment in schools.

The situation described in the report is deeply concerning and demands an immediate and effective international response to address Afghanistan's education crisis. The future of Afghanistan's education system and the well-being of its children hang in the balance, underscoring the urgency of action to safeguard their rights to quality education and protect them from harmful practices.