However, the bank’s guidance requires all ARTF-funded activities to support access – and equality of services – for women and girls in Afghanistan, the bank said, citing deep concerns about the Taliban ban on girls. to go to high school. As a result, the bank said, the four projects will be presented to ARTF donors for approval only “once the World Bank and international partners have a better understanding of the situation and are convinced that the project objectives can be achieved.” It was not immediately clear when this could happen. U.S. officials canceled scheduled meetings in Doha with the Taliban last week over a decision to keep girls out of high school. The World Bank’s Executive Board on March 1 approved a plan to use more than $ 1 billion from the ARTF fund to fund emergency education, agriculture, health and family programs that will bypass the sanctioned and sanctioned Taliban authorities. money through UN services and assistance. groups. The ARTF froze in August when the Taliban came to power as US-led international troops withdrew after 20 years of war. Foreign governments also cut off financial aid, which accounted for more than 70 percent of government spending, accelerating the country’s economic collapse. When it agreed to release ARTF funds for new projects to be implemented by UN agencies, the World Bank said it expected “a strong focus on ensuring the participation of girls and women and beneficiaries of support”. The Taliban have dismantled women’s rights over the past two decades, including restricting their work and travel unless accompanied by a close male relative. Most girls were also barred from attending school beyond the seventh grade. However, Taliban leaders have said all girls will be allowed to return to classes later this month.
