On the Occasion of International Human Rights Day – December 10, 2024

The Afghanistan National Institute of Music (ANIM) strongly condemns the Taliban’s anti-cultural policies and the widespread violation of cultural and musical rights of the Afghan people on this International Human Rights Day.

Music, as a universal language and a powerful tool of human expression, is an inseparable part of any nation’s identity and cultural rights. By banning music and suppressing Afghanistan’s rich cultural heritage, the Taliban have not only violated fundamental human rights but have also targeted the collective spirit and identity of the Afghan people. These actions constitute a blatant violation of cultural rights, freedom of expression, and basic liberties enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

While the Afghanistan National Institute of Music has consistently and steadfastly stood against human rights violations and gender apartheid targeting women, the focus of this statement is on the violation of the cultural and musical rights of the Afghan people. These rights, which play a vital role in fostering social cohesion and the spiritual growth of society, have been systematically denied by the Taliban and replaced with oppressive policies.

We call on the international community, human rights organizations, and all relevant institutions to:
1.     Explicitly condemn the Taliban’s anti-cultural policies.
2.     Intensify diplomatic and practical efforts to restore the cultural and musical rights of the Afghan people.
3.     Extend robust support to Afghan artists, musicians, and cultural activists who are under direct threat. 

The Afghanistan National Institute of Music, now in exile, remains committed to preserving Afghan music and promoting cultural values and human rights worldwide. We firmly believe that no force can extinguish the light of creativity, art, and culture.