Minorities | Afghanistan's UN envoy Naseer Ahmad Faiq accused the Taliban of systematic cultural repression, Afghanistan International reported; not yet confirmed elsewhere

ACW | October 22, 2026 — Naseer Ahmad Faiq, acting head of Afghanistan's Permanent Mission to the United Nations, accused the Taliban of systematically repressing the country's cultural diversity, Afghanistan International reported on Wednesday, October 21.

According to the outlet, Faiq said no "illegitimate regime" has the right to destroy Afghanistan's cultural diversity or impose its beliefs on all citizens. The report does not say where or when exactly he made the remarks.

He criticised restrictions on widely spoken languages, the renaming of public places and changes to government office signs. Faiq said these steps damage the country's cultural heritage and shared identity.

Faiq also warned against the expansion of Taliban "jihadi madrasas" and said religion and culture cannot justify discrimination. He stressed the right of all Afghans, including ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, to take part freely in cultural life.

He urged the international community to protect artists at risk, the outlet reported. The Taliban have not responded to the remarks. This report has not yet been confirmed by other sources.

Background: Afghanistan International recalled earlier reports of a ban on teaching Jafari (Shia) jurisprudence at some universities and of pressure on Ismaili Muslims to change their faith. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has also reported the closure of at least 10 Shia institutions in Kabul and Ghazni.

Why it matters: The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which Afghanistan joined in 1983, guarantees freedom of religion or belief in Article 18. Its Article 27 protects the right of ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities to enjoy their own culture, religion and language.

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Source: Afghanistan International — Afghan envoy to the UN: no regime has the right to destroy Afghanistan's cultural diversity

Photo: Afghanistan International