Education authorities in Kabul have reversed a decision to ban schoolgirls who are 12 years old and above from singing at public and ceremonial events after a widespread backlash.
The head of the Kabul City Education Department also told all schools around the country that both male and female students can perform songs in public if given permissions by their families.
“The previous instructions to ban such participation were not properly communicated, and had “created some misunderstandings,” the message said.
In a letter leaked to the media, the Kabul education chief ordered schools not to allow schoolgirls of over 12 to sing at public events.
Telecom operators to withdraw USSD services to banks over alleged indebtedness
A spokesperson said that the decision was taken after parents and students complained that they could not focus on lessons due to singing practice.
The ministry did not address why the ban only applied to girls.
The decision provoked criticisms and angered human rights activists.
The Afghanistan Independent Human Rights Commission said on Thursday that the decision to ban teenage girls from singing is a violation of children’s rights and unconstitutional.
Schoolchildren in Afghanistan often sing at ceremonies or official events.
It is a highly sensitive topic, as under the Taliban regime between 1996 and 2001, singing and listening to music were strictly banned.
(dpa/NAN)
