Euroviews. Afghanistan’s artists and cultural heritage are on the brink of obliteration

The arts and cultural sector in Afghanistan is facing an unprecedented crisis, as the simple act of artistic expression has now effectively been criminalised by the Taliban. 

While the international community has often contended with authoritarian regimes that tightly control what kind of art can be produced, the current situation in Afghanistan is without parallel as most forms of expression have been banned. 

Artists are sought out to be arrested, tortured and executed. This extends to people working in music, visual art, the performing arts, film and television, literature, museums, cultural heritage sites, and arts education.

While the horrific conditions that Afghan artists and cultural workers endure should typically invite the special attention of states dedicated to upholding human rights, we have seen a profound lack of regard for their plight. 

The international community has failed to forcefully afford the recognition of Afghan artists as a distinct group in need of protection and resettlement support that they rightly deserve. 

The lack of humanitarian action by countries purportedly dedicated to supporting artistic freedom could also ultimately enable the systematic and complete destruction of Afghanistan’s rich artistic and cultural heritage.

It has been two years since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan following the abrupt departure of US security forces. 

Although Taliban leaders initially made appeals to the international community to cooperate with their "reformed" leadership, which they pledged would demonstrate a respect for human rights and tolerance of free expression, their actions in the months that followed revealed their pledges to be disingenuous.

While the Taliban have not issued a formal ban on