Cultural Diversity and Sustainable Development for Peace (CD4Peace),

Recalling the UNGA resolution 75/25 following-up the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, which should serve as the basis of any understanding and reflection upon a given conflict situation,

Deeply appreciative of the UNESCO’s urge for Afghan cultural protection outlining how any damage or loss of -tangible or intangible- cultural heritage will only have adverse consequences on the prospects for lasting peace for the Afghan people, as it plays a crucial role in national cohesion and social fabric,

Emphasizing the statement of UNDP on the situation in Afghanistan, calling for peace, respect for human rights, and access to development assistance for all, 

Regretting the inability of the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution on the situation in Afghanistan during its meeting of August 16, 2021, 

Firmly deploring the lack of access to humanitarian aid for civilians in Afghanistan as well as the inability for commercial flights to land in Kabul,

Calling attention to the perilous situation faced by all the Internally Displaced People (IDPs) in Afghanistan, who are in need of food, relief items, water, sanitation, hygiene, and housing,

Firmly condemning the alleged killing by the Taliban of a close relative of a journalist working for German media and the killing of members of the Hazara minority in the Ghazni province, and the overall strong repression, resulting in several killings, of the first protests and demonstrations against Taliban’s authority,

Deeply fearing the humanitarian consequences that will result of the potential incoming conflict in Panjshir province between the Taliban and anti-Taliban militias as well as former members of Afghan National Defence and Security Forces or of Special Forces,

1. Urges for the establishment of a humanitarian airbridge enabling the international community and humanitarian actors to deliver humanitarian aid and assistance for all in Afghanistan,

2. Encourages all parties to support and promote expressions of cultural diversity and draws attention to how acceptance of cultural diversity is a powerful tool to build peace and social cohesion, as well as political stability,

3. Expresses its grave concern over the risk of destruction of cultural heritage sites and urges for their protection,

4. Deeply deplores the lack of inclusion of Women in the peace process in Afghanistan,

5. Strongly suggests that any new government must be shaped representatively of the diversity of the Afghan people,

6. Stresses the need to fully grant education to rural areas and to construct a strong social fabric integrating and linking all parts of the Afghan society,

7. Strongly recommends the international community to observe the situation in Afghanistan based on facts and actions observed on the ground and to apply due diligence when dealing with Taliban’s communication and rhetoric.