We are deeply concerned by the situation at the site of Kabul, Afghanistan.

The fighting is putting at risk of the most critical locations in Kabul, and we are at risk of losing the world's most significant collections of Buddhist art in the Kabul Museum. Their destruction by the Taliban in March 2001 was an act of cultural vandalism on a spectacular scale; as we know, the Taliban destroyed the giant Buddhist statues in Bamiyan Valley. They also entered the Kabul Museum, wielding sledgehammers. They smashed 2,500 priceless artefacts stored there.

If we cannot act fast, we may lose all remaining collections of Buddhist art in Kabul.

We need your voice to address the world and rescue the statues before the disaster. As a Buddhist community, we don't like to see our ancient heritage destroyed at the hands of terrorism.

I further call on the international community to do everything in its power to protect and safeguard the unique cultural heritage of Kabul.

Finally, all parties must respect international obligations to protect cultural heritage during the conflict by avoiding direct targeting and military purposes.