Naseer Ahmad Faiq, Acting Permanent Representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations, says Taliban restrictions on culture, language, music and education threaten the cultural diversity and shared identity of the people of Afghanistan.
Faiq said on Wednesday, October 21, at the United Nations that cultural rights are part of human rights and that no regime has the right to impose a single ideology on Afghan society.
He added that under Taliban rule, several customs and traditions, artistic activities, public gatherings and traditional celebrations, including Nowruz and Yalda Night, have been banned or restricted.
According to Faiq, music has been banned even at wedding ceremonies, and musical instruments have been confiscated and destroyed.
The Acting Permanent Representative of Afghanistan to the United Nations also expressed concern over restrictions on linguistic diversity and changes to the names of public places and signs, saying these measures could marginalise the cultural heritage of different regions.
He also warned about the expansion of “jihadi madrasas” under Taliban control, saying this trend raises concerns about the promotion of extremism and the undermining of inclusive education.
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