UK envoy says male support for girls’ education “vital” in Afghanistan

The UK Special Representative for Afghanistan, Richard Lindsay, has described male support for girls’ education as “vital” for Afghanistan’s future, following the awarding of the Freedom Prize 2026 to education activist Matiullah Wesa.

In a statement on X, Lindsay congratulated Wesa and said his recognition serves as a reminder that Afghan men continue to stand up for the rights of women and girls, particularly their access to education, which he described as essential for national progress.