Chaos in Afghanistan: UNESCO calls for protection of the country’s cultural heritage

There are two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Afghanistan, including the Bamiyan Valley, where the Taliban blew up two giant Buddha statues in 2001 before ousting them from power.

“In the midst of rapidly evolving events and 20 years after the deliberate destruction of Buddhists in Bamiyan, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, UNESCO Director-General Ondre Azule is calling for the protection of Afghanistan’s cultural heritage,” UNESCO told AFP.

UNESCO points out that the diversity of Afghanistan’s cultural heritage is an integral part of Afghanistan’s history and identity, which is important to all of humanity.

“It is vital for Afghanistan’s future that these monuments be protected and preserved,” the statement said.