The United Nations has condemned the decision of Afghan Interim Government to close universities to women, seeking its immediate revocation.

In a statement, the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan urged the de facto authorities to reopen girls' schools and end all measures preventing women  from participating fully in daily public life.

UN Human Rights High Commissioner Volker Türk described the ban as another appalling and cruel blow to the rights of Afghan women and girls and a deeply regrettable setback for the entire country.

He stated that suspending women from education is in clear violation of Afghanistan's obligations under international law.