The United Nations urged the Taliban to lift restrictions on girls’ education as the world marked International Literacy Day, highlighting Afghanistan’s literary heritage and the urgent need to restore access to schooling for women and girls.

In a post on X, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said: “Books are not only a source of knowledge, but also a pathway to lasting prosperity..”

The appeal came as UNESCO reported that at least 272 million children and adolescents worldwide remain out of school. Despite progress in recent decades, the agency said some 739 million young people and adults still lack basic literacy skills. Data shows that 4 in 10 children globally cannot read at a foundational level.

International Literacy Day has been observed annually since 1967 to underscore the importance of education in building more literate, just and peaceful societies. This year’s theme, Promoting Literacy in a Digital Era stressed the role of digital tools in expanding learning opportunities for marginalised groups.

In Afghanistan, an estimated 2.2 million girls have been barred from attending school since the Taliban returned to power in 2021. UNESCO has warned that if restrictions remain, the number could exceed 4 million by 2030.

Despite sustained international pressure, the Taliban has refused to reverse its ban. Beyond the restrictions, a shortage of school buildings, clean water, sanitation facilities and qualified female teachers has left about 4 million Afghan children without education, according to UNICEF.