The UN Security Council expressed deep concern at the decision of the Afghan Taliban rulers to deny girls access to secondary education and urged them to reopen schools for female students without delay.

The members of the Security Council have reaffirmed the right to education for all Afghans, including girls, the UN said in a statement.

Last week, the Taliban backed away from announcing the reopening of girls' high schools, saying they would remain closed until plans were made to reopen them in accordance with Islamic law.

The United States canceled meetings with the Taliban in Doha to resolve key economic issues because of the decision, US officials said.

The Security Council has asked Deborah Lyons, UN Special Representative for Afghanistan, to contact the relevant Afghan authorities and stakeholders on this matter and report on progress.