US Secretary of State Antony Blinken denounced the Taliban's arguments for breaking their commitment to the Afghan people, condemning the U-turn on reopening girls' secondary schools in Afghanistan.

"Education is a human right, and the US rejects the Taliban's justifications for abandoning their promise to the Afghan people that all Afghans would be able to return to school today at all levels. Many girls and women were advised to stay at home till further notice as they returned to secondary schools around the country "In a statement on Women and Girls' Education in Afghanistan, Blinken added.

Blinken said, the US stands with Afghan girls and their families who see education as a means of reaching Afghanistan's full potential in society and economics. "If the Taliban's decision is not overturned quickly, it will severely affect the Afghan people, the country's economic prospects, and the Taliban's desire to restore relations with the international community," he warned.

The UN human rights director also expressed her "deep sadness and regret" that high school girls have yet to return to class six months after the Taliban seized power.

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