UNESCO requires preservation of Afghanistan’s cultural heritage after Taliban takeover

The UNESCO on Thursday referred to as for the preservation of Afghanistan’s cultural heritage in its variety, and taking all precautions to guard the nation’s historic belongings from “damage and looting”, amid deepening disaster within the war-torn nation because the Taliban takeover.

In an announcement, the UNESCO additionally reminded of the “deliberate destruction” of the long-lasting Bamiyan Buddhas, a world heritage web site in Afghanistan’s Bamiyan Valley, in 2001.Amid the quickly unfolding occasions, and 20 years after the deliberate destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay has referred to as for preservation of cultural heritage of Afghanistan, the assertion mentioned.Azoulay shared the UNESCO assertion and tweeted, “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 variety, in full respect of worldwide legislation, and for taking all vital precautions to spare and shield cultural heritage from injury and looting. https://t.co/C3hj2BcY3a— Audrey Azoulay (@AAzoulay) August 19, 2021
The Taliban swept throughout the nation this month, seizing management of virtually all key cities and cities within the backdrop of withdrawal of the US forces that started on May 1. On August 15, the capital metropolis Kabul additionally fell to the Taliban whilst a lot of Afghans tried in useless to flee the war-torn nation.The rebel forces have now sought to painting themselves as extra reasonable than once they had imposed a brutal rule within the late Nineties. But many Afghans stay skeptical and worry a return of the “regressive” regime.The stunning pictures of the destruction of Bamiyan Buddhas have as soon as once more been triggered in public consciousness after the Taliban takeover.CLOSELY FOLLOWING SITUATION ON GROUND: UNESCOThe UNESCO in its assertion Thursday additionally mentioned it’s “closely following the situation on the ground and is committed to exercising all possible efforts”.”Any damage or loss of cultural heritage will only have adverse consequences on the prospects for lasting peace and humanitarian relief for the people of Afghanistan,” it mentioned.Incidentally, August 19 additionally marks the Independence Day of Afghanistan.HERITAGE MUST BE SAFEGUARDED: UNESCOThe UNESCO additional underlined the necessity for a secure setting for the continuing work of the nation’s cultural heritage professionals and artists, who play a central position in Afghanistan’s nationwide cohesion and social material, the assertion mentioned.”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,” it added.This contains websites such because the Old City of Herat, the UNESCO world heritage websites of the Minaret and the archaeological stays of Jam and the cultural panorama and archaeological stays of the Bamiyan Valley, the place the UNESCO has been working for a number of a long time, in addition to museums together with the National Museum in Kabul, the world physique mentioned.”It is crucial for the future of Afghanistan to safeguard and preserve these landmarks,” the assertion mentioned.20 YEARS OF DESTRUCTION OF BAMIYAN BUDDHASThe UNESCO early this yr marked 20 years of the destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas.“The empty niches of the enormous Buddhas within the Bamiyan Valley of Afghanistan are a perpetual reminder of our responsibility to guard cultural heritage, and what future generations stand to lose if we don’t. Today, these niches are inscribed on the World Heritage List,” it had said.“The tragic destruction of the Buddhas of Bamiyan in March 2001, which was broadcast across the globe, led to a global recognition of the need to protect cultural heritage at risk,” the UNESCO had mentioned.ALSO READ: Taliban face pockets of resistance on Afghanistan’s I-Day; IMF cuts entry to funds | Top 10 DevelopmentsALSO WATCH: Afghanistan’s final free citadel: Panjshir resists Taliban cost