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Over 250 schools in Herat ‘unusable’ due to quake damage
Last year’s earthquake in Herat not only had a devastating impact on quake-hit victims, who lost loved ones and their homes, but also on children as scores of schools are unusable.
In addition to the loss of lives and widespread destruction, 256 schools were badly damaged in the quake.
Herat education officials said in addition to these schools, another 144 schools are also in need of major repairs.
This comes just days after the start of the new academic year, which has resulted in hundreds of children now having to be taught in open-air classrooms.
Teachers at some of the schools have said it's too dangerous to use many of these schools.
In just one school, which suffered extensive damage in the earthquake, over 300 children are being taught outdoors.
These teachers say they hope repair work will soon start so that they can move children back in doors.
Officials from the Department of Education in Herat say some of the school buildings are not in a state to be repaired as the damage was extensive.
Officials said there are 1,400 schools in the province.
Four large earthquakes measuring 6.3 magnitude each and their aftershocks affected Herat province in western Afghanistan in early October 2023.
The first two earthquakes occurred on 7 October at 11:11 am and 11:42 am near the city of Herat, followed by many aftershocks.
On 11 and 15 October, two other magnitude 6.3 earthquakes struck the same area.
The World Health Organization estimated 1,482 fatalities, 2,100 injuries, 43,400 people affected and 114,000 people requiring humanitarian aid.
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G7 envoys urge national dialogue for lasting stability in Afghanistan
Special Representatives of the Group of Seven (G7), including the European Union, have emphasized the importance of a national dialogue for achieving long-term stability in Afghanistan.
Following a meeting on Afghanistan in Geneva, Switzerland, G7 special envoys issued a joint statement calling for the restoration of women's rights and urging the Islamic Emirate to fight terrorism.
The statement reads: "Achieving sustainable peace and stability requires credible governance that represents all segments of Afghan society."
The representatives also expressed concern over the IEA’s decision to ban girls from attending medical institutes, warning that it will have devastating consequences for the citizens, particularly mothers and their infants.
The statement described this ban as unacceptable and called on the Afghan authorities to lift it immediately.
Earlier, countries and international organizations had called for the removal of restrictions on the education and employment of women and girls, emphasizing the need for a national dialogue.
In response to these concerns, IEA has repeatedly stated that it will not allow interference in the internal affairs of the country.
The G7 special envoys also expressed their concern about the recent terrorist attacks in Kabul and the surrounding region, warning that terrorism remains a serious threat to Afghanistan's security. They confirmed the actions of the IEA against Daesh but stressed the need for more decisive measures.
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Afghanistan’s bright future lies in educating girls: Karzai
Hamid Karzai, the former president of Afghanistan, says the demand of Afghan girls for the reopening of schools and universities is their fundamental right and adds that Afghanistan cannot have a bright future without ensuring access to education for girls.
In a statement on his X (formerly Twitter) account, Karzai said: "The demand and voice of our country’s girls for education and knowledge is a rightful one and crucial for a prosperous Afghanistan."
He further emphasized, "Empowering the youth—both girls and boys—is the only way to achieve self-reliance, break the cycle of poverty, and drive the development and prosperity of society."
Karzai underscored that education is vital for Afghanistan’s growth and development, expressing hope that the doors of schools and universities for girls will be reopened as soon as possible.
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IEA to set up special courts to address pensions
Mawlawi Hebatullah Akhundzada, the supreme leader of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA), has issued a decree to establish special courts to address pensions, Bakhtar news agency reported on Saturday.
According to the decree, the courts must confirm and process pensions in accordance with Sharia and law.
Pensioners have repeatedly voiced concern over delay in payment, saying that their financial challenges are growing.
Earlier this year, IEA's supreme leader banned money being deducted from salaries of government employees for pensions.
He also requested information on the tenure of employees and the total amount deducted from salaries for pensions.
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