UNESCO urges Authorities to Investigate Schoolgirl Poisonings

TEHRAN: On Wednesday the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), expressed concern about the ‘suspected’ poisoning of school girls in Iran, calling for investigations.

According to an Al Arabiya report, the cultural agency urged a probe into the poisonings that claimed the lives of thousands of girls in Iran.

Thousands of young school girls across Iran have become victims of toxic fumes, with reports of cases as early as November last year, however, so far no fatalities have been confirmed.

Court Allows Termination Of 27-Week Abnormal Pregnancy

Girls in Nangarhar Taking Up Tailoring Due to Education Ban

While there is no clear answer as to which chemical might have been used, per reports, no one has claimed the attacks. Authorities have yet to identify any suspects. With so many cases surfacing, there is doubt it may be an act of religious extremism to keep girls from education. It is worth mentioning, though that unlike its neighbour Afghanistan, Iran has no previous history of such extremism focused on girls’ education.

UNESCO urges Authorities to Investigate Schoolgirl Poisonings | Baaghi TV

Meanwhile, in a tweet, UNESCO urged “thorough investigations and immediate actions to protect schools and facilitate the return of affected students”.

Barring of Women From University ‘Not Permanent’: Afghan Education Minister

Special Envoys from Afghan Neighbor Countries Meet in Tashkent

.@UNESCO urges thorough investigations and immediate actions to protect schools and facilitate the return of affected students in Iran, to their safe and healthy classrooms.#CSW67 #IWD2023 pic.twitter.com/PsG1p5hE4l
— UNESCO 🏛️ #Education #Sciences #Culture 🇺🇳 (@UNESCO) March 8, 2023

Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO said that she is “deeply concerned” about the poisoning of school girls in Iran in the past months. Azoulay added, “This is a violation of their right to safe education”.

Qatar’s Emir Names New PM, Brings New Cabinet Reshuffle

Afghan Deputy PM Meets With OIC Special Envoy

UNESCO urges Authorities to Investigate Schoolgirl Poisonings | Baaghi TV

On the other hand, Irani officials have said that they are looking into the incidents with the Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei calling for severe punishment for those responsible. The administration has not only tightened restrictions placed on media and independent media, they are also arresting activists, journalists, and others for speaking about the incident of the alleged poisonings.

Prior to the incidents across the country, Iranian authorities had heavily restricted the media and waves of anti-government protests sparked in the wake of Mahasa Amini’s death.

Afghanistan ‘Fully Prepared’ to Begin Work on TAPI

India successfully crashes dead satellite

Worth mentioning is the fact that although the Islamic administration has periodically enforced a specific dress code on girls and women, they have never restricted their access to education. On the other hand, amidst rising skepticism, authorities have suggested that the poisoning allegations may be a part of a ‘foreign conspiracy’ to create unrest.

On Tuesday, videos were circulated showing teachers protesting against the poisonings across multiple cities. Meanwhile, the Interior Ministry announced arrests of in six provinces connected to the poisonings.

UNESCO urges Authorities to Investigate Schoolgirl Poisonings | Baaghi TV