About
"...any damage to cultural property, irrespective of the people it belongs to, is a damage to the cultural heritage of all humanity, because every people contributes to the world's culture..."
The 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict was adopted by UNESCO in response to the widespread destruction of cultural heritage caused by war. Recognizing that cultural heritage belongs to all of humanity, the Convention established the first comprehensive international framework to safeguard monuments, artworks, manuscripts, and other significant cultural property.
It applies both in peacetime and during armed conflict, ensuring that cultural sites and objects are preserved, respected, and protected from destruction, misuse, or looting.
The Convention outlines key obligations for States Parties, including preventive measures such as maintaining inventories, planning emergency responses, and providing refuge for movable cultural property. It also mandates respect for cultural sites, prohibits their use for military purposes, and enforces sanctions for violations.
A First Protocol (1954) specifically addresses the protection of cultural property during occupation, prohibiting its export, sale, or retention. To further strengthen the Convention, a Second Protocol (1999) introduced enhanced protection for cultural sites of exceptional importance, defined criminal sanctions for violations, and established an Intergovernmental Committee to oversee its implementation.
Together, these legal instruments remain crucial in protecting cultural heritage and promoting peace.
FAQ
Discover the answers to the most frequently asked questions about heritage during armed conflicts