By The South Asia Times

KABUL - The US on Wednesday expressed deep concern over reports of Afghan girls poisoning in school and urged for an investigation of the incident.

“Deeply concerned by reports that scores of schoolgirls may have been poisoned in Afghanistan’s Sar-e Pul province. Urge every measure be taken to investigate and keep children safe! Afghans deserve education without fear or restrictions,” Thomas West, the US special representative for Afghanistan tweeted.

On Sunday, some 80 female students have been poisoned in two schools in Sangcharak district of Sar-e-Pul province, who were later shifted to hospitals. 

“60 students were poisoned in Naswan-e-Kabod Aab school, and 17 others were poisoned in Naswan Faizabad school,” Tolo News quoted Mohammad Rahmani, head of the provincial education department as saying.

“In the first class hour, when the students arrived at the school, they were poisoned. They face dizziness and throwing up,” he said.

The European Union also regreted the horrible news of poisonings of more than 60 girls at their school in northern Afghanistan.

“This is a heinous crime that needs to be followed up by the de facto authorities, as per their obligations under international law to protect the population. We wish all affected a swift recovery,” said the EU in a statement.

“Right to education is the human right of all children, everywhere. Schools need to be safe places for all children.”

While the UN also expressed concern over the incident and said they wish all those affected a speedy recovery.

“Schools should be havens of safety where children learn free from fear. Women should be able to work without endangering their lives.

"@UNICEFAfg

 counts on the de facto authorities to investigate this incident thoroughly, to do everything possible to keep girls and women safe and, if there is foul play, to hold the perpetrators accountable.” UNICEF wrote on twitter