We call on the international community, including the United Nations and the United Nations Human Rights Council, to urgently address the growing discrimination against the Uzbek people, their language, and their cultural identity in Afghanistan. 
Recently, a deeply troubling incident occurred at Kabul University, where a student from the Department of Uzbek Language and Literature was reportedly slapped by the Taliban’s Minister of Higher Education, Neda Mohammad Nadeem, simply for wearing a traditional Uzbek hat. 
According to the student, a group of Uzbek students chose to wear their traditional cultural hat in response to a directive requiring students to wear head coverings at the university. The hat is an important symbol of Uzbek cultural heritage and identity. 
During a university clean-up activity, the minister reportedly confronted the students, accused them of political activity, and demanded that one of the students remove his mask. After he did so, the minister allegedly slapped him in the face and warned him not to wear the Uzbek hat again. 
Following this incident, the student reportedly had his student identification card confiscated and was expelled from the university. The student has also expressed concerns that his life may now be in danger after the case became public. 
This incident is not isolated. It reflects a broader pattern of discrimination against the Uzbek language, culture, and Turkic communities in Afghanistan. 
Recent actions raising serious concern include: 
The removal of the Uzbek language from official university signboards at Samangan University and Jawzjan University.  
The reported removal or restriction of Uzbek Language and Literature departments in several provinces.  
The demolition of the statue of the renowned Turkic poet and politics figure Amir Ali-Shir Nava'i in Mazar-i-Sharif.  
These actions raise serious concerns about systematic discrimination against the Uzbek community and the erosion of linguistic and cultural rights in Afghanistan. 
The Uzbek people are an important part of Afghanistan’s diverse society. Their language, culture, and identity deserve respect and protection. 
We therefore call on the international community to: 
Investigate the assault against the Uzbek student at Kabul University.  
Ensure the safety and protection of the affected student.  
Monitor discrimination against ethnic and linguistic minorities in Afghanistan.  
Protect the cultural and linguistic rights of the Uzbek people and other Turkic communities.  
Urge the Taliban authorities to respect academic freedom, cultural diversity, and minority rights.  
Cultural identity, language, and education are fundamental human rights that must be respected everywhere. 
We urge the United Nations, international human rights organizations, and the global community to take urgent action.