Following the unfortunate victory of the Taliban, the United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), issued a statement calling for the protection of Afghanistan’s cultural heritage and the provision of a safe environment for Afghan artists.

“Afghanistan’s diverse historical heritage is not only an integral part of Afghanistan’s identity, but also important for all of humanity and their preservation for the future of Afghanistan,” the statement which was published this week refers to the destruction of Afghanistan’s national heritage by the Taliban, 20 years ago.

The statement concluded by stating that the UNESCO is committed to making every effort to preserve Afghanistan’s precious cultural heritage.

These words may mean something to the people of Europe and the United States and to those countries with legitimate and democratic governments. However, to the people of Afghanistan or Iran who have lived under dictatorial governments and in countries plagued by anti-culturalism and the destruction of heritage sites (by governments) for years, simple commitments to preserve cultural and historical heritage have not been very effective. Especially since the dominant governments of these countries do not value the cultural and historical components of non-Islam, but consider it their duty to destroy them as real Muslims.

Of course, the efforts of UNESCO are commendable, as well as the efforts of all culture lovers who are aware of the importance of the value of cultural and historical heritage. However, given the devastation that the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Taliban, and ISIS have done so far in relation to non-Shiite and non-Islamic history and culture, the efforts by UNESCO must be extensive, continuous, and organized to be effective.