The “Taliban’s abusive educational policies in Afghanistan are harming boys as well as girls and women," Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a report on Wednesday, saying that the departure of qualified teachers has led to regressive curriculum changes.

“These changes have led to increased fears about attending school, falling attendance, and a loss of hope for the future; with this, the Taliban risk creating a lost generation,” the report said.

“They have said it is for a temporary time. It has not yet been clarified. They have not explained their plan which they say they are considering, so that we can come to school based on their policies,” said Hosna, a university student.

This comes as Malala Yousfzai, Pakistani activist for female education and Nobel Peace Prize winner, told the 21st Nelson Mandela Annual Lecture that “many Muslim scholars including in Afghanistan have made it clear that Islam does not condone denying girls and women their rights to education and work but the Taliban are not interested in the truth.”

The female students above grade six once again called on the Islamic Emirate to provide them with educational opportunities.

“Our call on the government is to reopen our schools. It has been two years now we are sitting at home and having no achievement,” said Haleema, a student.

“Our call on the Islamic Emirate is to provide us a ground for schooling,” said Fahima, a student.

But the Islamic Emirate’s spokesman, Zabiullah Mujahid, said that all rights of women and girls are ensured in Afghanistan.

“The rights which the Islamic sharia dedicated for our sisters should be ensured and the Islamic Emirate has taken positive steps in this regard,” he said.

The Islamic Emirate’s restrictions on women and girls particularly in the field of education faced strong reactions from the international community.