ISLAMABAD, Dec 24: The United Nations special rapporteurs have voiced concerns about militant attacks on girls’ schools in Pakistan and urged the government to ensure the right of women and girls to a safe and secure education, media reports said.
“We are alarmed by the ongoing terror attacks against girls’ schools by organisations who are against the education of women and girls. We note that all attacks on schools are abhorrent, but that targeted attacks against girls’ schools additionally deter women and girls from seeking an education, perpetuating discrimination and inequalities in society,” wrote Farida Shaheed, special rapporteur on the right to education, Dawn reported.
According to media reports, Reem Alsalem and Laura Nyirinkindi, special rapporteur on violence against women and girls, have written a letter to the Pakistan government requesting details of investigations and measures to protect girls’ schools in Waziristan.
Three experts in Pakistan expressed concern over the low enrollment, retention, and learning outcomes of girls in schools, even if they attend school.
Rural girls face poor educational outcomes due to poverty and sociocultural beliefs, hindering their completion of education, the report said.
The experts referred to the attacks by unidentified armed men with explosives on private girls’ schools in North and South Waziristan and in Surab district of Kalat division in Balochistan, and said it was reported that the net enrollment rate for girls in school is lower for girls than for boys on average and particularly worse in rural areas.
The letter stated, “Girls in Pakistan are disproportionately excluded from receiving education. Girls’ education faces numerous challenges, including a lack of schools, security concerns travelling to schools (including harassment), and child marriages, and the prohibitive cost of education, especially for families living in poverty.”
According to reports, the experts reminded the government of the legal obligations of states under international human rights law to respect, protect and fulfil women’s rights and fundamental freedoms.
(UNI)
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