Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Reporter: Tamim Ataee | Afghanistan Women’s Rights Watch
Daikundi – Afghanistan:
Local sources in Daikundi province reported today (May 7) a mass poisoning incident involving dozens of female students at schools in the districts of Kiti and Shahristan. According to reports, at least 40 to 50 girls at the Kiti Girls' High School exhibited symptoms of suspected poisoning. Reported symptoms include severe skin irritation, nausea, and shortness of breath.
According to families and witnesses, the incident occurred after students entered their classrooms and detected a distinct odor, after which they immediately began to experience physical symptoms. The affected students were taken to the Kiti District Clinic, and according to medical sources, the condition of some students is critical.
At the same time, reports have emerged of another group of female students being poisoned at a school in the village of “Chah Chah” in Shahristan district. However, no detailed information on the number of victims or their health status is available at this time.
A Concerning Pattern Repeats
This is not the first time such incidents have occurred in the region. Around the same time last year, 80 female students and three teachers at the Tamran Girls’ High School in Kiti district experienced similar symptoms. Despite initial confirmation of that incident by local Taliban officials, no independent investigation or conclusive report on its cause has ever been published.
Silence from Taliban Officials
As of the time of publication, none of the local Taliban authorities in Daikundi province have commented on today’s incident. This silence has heightened the concerns of families, human rights advocates, and organizations defending women’s rights.
Afghanistan Women’s Rights Watch expresses grave concern over the continuation of these mysterious incidents and calls for an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation into the poisoning of the students. The physical and psychological well-being of girls must be protected as a non-negotiable right by all responsible institutions.
We also call on international bodies, particularly UNESCO and UNICEF, to take an immediate stance and practical action to protect the lives and education of girls in Afghanistan.
If you are a member of the affected families or have additional information regarding this incident, please contact us directly via WhatsApp or Telegram:
???? +90 352 222 54 81
???? info@awrw.org