UNESCO calls for the protection of cultural heritage in Afghanistan

The UNESCO called for the preservation of Afghanistan's cultural heritage in its diversity, and taking all precautions to protect the country's historic assets from 'damage and looting', amid deepening crisis in the war-torn nation since the Taliban (banned in Russia) takeover.

In a statement, the UNESCO also reminded of the 'deliberate destruction' of the iconic Bamiyan Buddhas, a world heritage site in Afghanistan's Bamiyan Valley, in 2001.

Amid the rapidly unfolding events, and 20 years after the deliberate destruction of the Bamiyan Buddhas, UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay has called for preservation of cultural heritage of Afghanistan, the statement said.

Azoulay shared the UNESCO statement 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.' The Taliban swept across the country this month, seizing control of almost all key towns and cities in the backdrop of withdrawal of the US forces that began on May 1.

The UNESCO in its statement Thursday also said it is '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 said.

The UNESCO further underlined the need for a safe environment for the ongoing work of the country's cultural heritage professionals and artists, who play a central role in Afghanistan's national cohesion and social fabric, the statement 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,' it added.

This includes sites such as the Old City of Herat, the UNESCO world heritage sites of the Minaret and the archaeological remains of Jam and the cultural landscape and archaeological remains of the Bamiyan Valley, where the UNESCO has been working for several decades, as well as museums including the National Museum in Kabul, the world body said.

'It is crucial for the future of Afghanistan to safeguard and preserve these landmarks,' the statement said.