Surge in jihadi madrassa construction under Taliban rule, new report reveals
The Afghanistan Human Rights Center has reported a sharp rise in the construction of jihadi madrassas under Taliban rule, citing concerns over their long-term impact on the country’s youth. The 30-page report highlights how these institutions serve as a means of consolidating power while reshaping Afghanistan’s education system.
According to the report, the Taliban’s Ministry of Education has allocated substantial resources to religious-jihadi madrassas, with more than 21,000 such schools built in 2023 alone. In contrast, only 106 regular schools were constructed during the same period. Each province now hosts at least one large-scale madrassa, accommodating up to 2,000 students with comprehensive facilities.
These schools primarily offer instruction in Islamic jurisprudence, ideological warfare, interpretation of religious texts, and governance under Taliban rule. The report states that students receive training in Quranic studies and Sahih al-Bukhari while being encouraged to adopt a militant mindset. Most madrassas are staffed by male instructors, and funding reportedly comes from international donors, including wealthy Arab nations.
The report also notes a significant gender disparity in education. While girls above sixth grade remain barred from attending regular schools, no such restrictions exist for those enrolling in jihadi madrassas. Human rights organizations warn that the continued exclusion of girls from secular education has contributed to forced marriages, social isolation, and mental health issues.
As of August 2023, approximately 340,000 students, including 95,000 girls, were enrolled in these institutions. Experts caution that the rapid expansion of religious schools could lead to further radicalization and destabilization. International bodies have called for urgent measures to address educational inequalities and uphold the rights of Afghan children, particularly girls, to access a balanced curriculum.
