82 Afghan Female Students Face an Uncertain Future..
More than 80 Afghan female students in Oman are facing the threat of expulsion and forced return to Afghanistan. This crisis follows the suspension of U.S. financial aid and scholarships through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
These students were transferred to Middle East College in Muscat in late 2024 with the support of the Women’s Scholarship Foundation (WSA). They have stated that recent changes in U.S. government policies have resulted in the termination of their financial assistance, placing them at serious risk of expulsion and deportation.
Urgent Call for Assistance
In a letter to authorities, these students warned that returning to Afghanistan would endanger both their security and education. They cited severe restrictions imposed by the Taliban on female education and increasing security threats. They have urgently appealed to the U.S. Embassy to ensure their safety and provide a pathway to continue their education.
Additionally, they have called on the international community, particularly the United States, to recognize their crisis and prevent their forced return. These students believe that their education is not only essential for their personal growth but also critical for Afghanistan’s stability and future development.
Impact of U.S. Policy Changes
The U.S. government, under the leadership of Donald Trump, has announced that all aid and scholarships will remain suspended until a comprehensive review is completed. This review aims to align these programs with the new U.S. policies.
As a result, the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has halted its operations globally. This decision has disrupted essential services, including food aid, medical assistance, and humanitarian support worldwide.
A Critical Need for Immediate Action
These Afghan female students are facing a life-altering crisis. The suspension of U.S. aid and scholarships has placed them in an extremely vulnerable situation. Returning to Afghanistan under Taliban rule presents significant dangers to their future.
Their urgent plea for assistance highlights the immediate need for intervention. The international community must act decisively and with compassion to support these students so that they can safely continue their education. Afghanistan’s future depends on the education of its youth, and education remains a fundamental right that must not be denied to these young women.
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