Attacks on Education in Afghanistan

Glossary

I. Summary

Plight of the Education System...

Sources and Impact of Insecurity

International and Afghan Response to Insecurity

Key Recommendations

II. Background: Afghanistan Since the Fall of the Taliban

The Taliban's Ouster, the Bonn Process, and the Afghanistan Compact

Insecurity in Afghanistan

Education in Afghanistan and its Importance for Development

III. Attacks on Schools, Teachers, and Students

Who and Why

Attacks by Taliban and Warlords on Education in Southern and Southeastern Afghanistan

Kandahar City and Province

Helmand Province

Zabul Province

Ghazni Province

Paktia Province

Logar Province

Charkh District, Logar

Wardak Province

Laghman Province

Impact of Crime and Impunity on Education

IV. The Indirect Impact of Insecurity on Education

Insufficient Development Aid and Services

Shortage of Schools and Infrastructure

Shortage of Teachers

Low Quality of Education

Poverty

Negative Attitudes About Education

V. The Inadequate Response of the Afghan Government and its International Supporters to Attacks on Education101

Failure to Monitor Attacks103

Failure to Prevent and Respond to Attacks104

Nationbuilding on the Cheap: the U.S.-led Coalition, ISAF, and Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTs)106

The Provincial Reconstruction Teams109

VI. Legal Standards112

The Right to Education112

International Humanitarian Law and Attacks on Schools115

VII. Recommendations117

Acknowledgments123

Chart: Attacks on Teachers, Students, and Schools in Afghanistan125