[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 47 (Wednesday, March 18, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E699-E700]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RESOLUTION REGARDING GIRLS' ACCESS TO EDUCATION IN PAKISTAN

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 18, 2009

  Mrs. MALONEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce a resolution 
expressing the strong concern of the House of Representatives about the 
actions of the Taliban in Swat, Pakistan to restrict girls' access to 
education. In the past year, the deliberate destruction of hundreds of 
schools for girls has forced more than 40,000 young women to forego 
schooling. This resolution would urge the Government of Pakistan to act 
swiftly to halt and reverse the Taliban's unconstitutional ban on 
education for girls. It also encourages the Secretary of State to 
review and report on Pakistan's progress in protecting the rights of

[[Page E700]]

women, as well as on the actions of the United States Government in 
providing support for this goal.
  In the past few weeks there have been negotiations between the 
Pakistani government and the Taliban in an effort to broker a peace 
deal. At the heart of the ceasefire agreement is a pledge to impose 
Islamic law in the area. Government officials have said that this law 
will be in accordance with Pakistan's constitution, and will restore 
security and justice in the region. However, the accord makes no 
mention of the future of girls' education. Women and girls are a great 
resource for promoting development, prosperity, and peace. The United 
States must ensure that explicit measures are taken to protect women's 
rights in Pakistan, in order to uphold internationally recognized human 
rights while supporting regional peace and stability.

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