UNESCO seeks protection and preservation of Afghanistan’s cultural heritage

The world saw what happened in Afghanistan on August 15, 2021, as the Taliban took over the territory of Afghanistan and the leaders instead of fighting fled the country.

Now UNESCO is worried about the safety of Afghanistan’s cultural heritage. The UN cultural organisation on Thursday called for preservation of the country’s cultural heritage in its diversity and asked to protect the historic assets.

UNESCO fears “damage and looting” of the crucial heritage of the country since the Taliban takeover. In a statement, the organisation also reminded the world of the time when the iconic Bamiyan Buddhas, a world heritage site in Bamiyan Valley were deliberately destroyed back in 2001.

UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay took to Twitter and said,

“We are calling for the preservation of #Afganisthan cultural heritage in its diversity, in full respect of international law, and for taking all necessary precautions to spare and protect cultural heritage from damage and looting.”

We are calling for the preservation of #Afganisthan cultural heritage in its diversity, in full respect of international law, and for taking all necessary precautions to spare and protect cultural heritage from damage and looting.

The organisation in a statement also mentioned that it is following the situation on the ground and is trying everything possible. It further said, “Afghanistan is home to a wide range of rich and diverse heritage, which is an integral part of Afghan history and identity, as well as of importance for humanity as a whole, that must be safeguarded.”

Important heritage sites in Afghanistan

The Old City of Herat: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Minaret, and the archaeological remains of Jam.

Bamiyan Valley: The archaeological remains of the Bamiyan Valley is where UNESCO has been working for several years now.

The National Museum in Kabul: Another significant attraction that preserves the history of the country.