Protecting Cultural Heritage in Conflict Zones
Introduction to the committee:
UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. It contributes to peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication and information. Many of their programmes contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals defined in the 2030 Agenda, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015.
Defining cultural heritage:
The destruction of cultural heritage refers to the deliberate or accidental damage, looting, or eradication of sites, monuments, objects, and traditions that hold cultural, historical, or religious significance. Cultural Heritage can be divided into two categories: Tangible heritage (physical objects or places that have cultural, historical, or artistic significance) and intangible cultural heritage (short: ICH). ICH can include Oral traditions, performing arts, Social practices and rituals as well as knowledge regarding traditional craftsmanship. According to the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, intangible cultural heritage is the mainspring of humanity's cultural diversity and its maintenance a guarantee for continuing creativity. To quote: “This intangible cultural heritage, transmitted from generation to generation, is constantly recreated by communities and groups in response to their environment, their interaction with nature and their history, and provides them with a sense of identity and continuity, thus promoting respect for cultural diversity and human creativity.”
History of cultural preservation:
The prohibition of the removal of artworks from their original possession during conflict was already mentioned at the Congress of Vienna in 1814. Over the years, the preservation of cultural heritage has been codified through various steps into international law. The most important step was the establishment of “The Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict” in 1954. This laid the groundwork in international law, deeming any damage to cultural property as damage to the cultural heritage of all humanity.
The relevance of cultural heritage:
Cultural heritage is central to the identity of communities and nations. It reflects a society’s history, traditions, and collective memory. In conflict zones, deliberate attacks on cultural sites are often aimed at erasing the identity of a particular group (e.g., ethnic cleansing). Destroying cultural heritage can weaken a community’s sense of belonging and disrupt its social fabric. But its destruction not only affects local communities, but also diminishes a part of humanity’s shared history by reducing global cultural diversity and historical record.
In addition, cultural heritage sites play a vital economical role. Their loss in a conflict can often affect a state’s ability to financially recover after peace has been made. Cultural sites are visited by tourists and pilgrims directly contributing to a respective state’s economy.
The Role of Non-State Actors:
Non-state actors, including militant groups, terrorist organizations, and private entities, play a significant role in the destruction and trafficking of cultural heritage in conflict zones. Armed groups often target cultural sites as a means of erasing historical identities, spreading ideological messages, or funding their operations through the illicit trade of looted artifacts. Terrorist groups like ISIS have deliberately destroyed ancient sites such as Palmyra, while also profiting from the black-market sale of cultural property. On the other hand, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), museums, and international institutions also act as non-state actors, working to protect, recover, and restore endangered heritage. Their involvement in documenting destruction, raising awareness, and advocating for stronger international legal frameworks is crucial in preserving cultural heritage during times of conflict.
Example cases:
Here are two examples in nations where the integrity of cultural property is at risk. It is strongly recommended to look into the situation in other regions as well, such as in the Republic of the Congo and Burkina Faso.
Iraq is often called the “cradle of civilization”. The nation holds some of the world’s most ancient and significant cultural sites, such as Babylon, Nineveh, and the ruins of Mesopotamian civilizations. The country’s cultural heritage has faced continuous threats, especially during the Iraq War (2003) and the rise of ISIS (2014–2017).
In particular, ISIS has seriously damaged many cultural sites in northern Iraq. Sites like the ancient city of Nimrud, the Mosul Museum, and the iconic Al-Nuri Mosque were severely damaged or destroyed. ISIS used these acts as both ideological warfare and a means to generate funds by looting and selling antiquities.
Despite the efforts by UNESCO with initiatives such as “Revive the Spirit of Mosul”, many artifacts have been subject to looting and destruction.
Syria is another example rich in cultural heritage, with several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient cities of Aleppo, Palmyra, and Damascus. The Syrian Civil War, which began in 2011, has caused extensive damage to these sites. The 2000 year-old archeological gem of the ancient city of Palmyra has largely been destroyed by ISIS. Furthermore, Aleppo, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, was heavily damaged during the conflict.
UNESCO has taken measures to safeguard sites and archive them, in order to recreate what was lost. Though these efforts have been made difficult due to the sustained conflict.
Block positions:
Although there is somewhat of a consensus that cultural heritage must be preserved, many states differ in their priorities and interests. They can be divided into the following categories:
Nations with Rich Cultural Heritage (e.g., Iraq, Syria, Egypt, Italy):
These nations often strongly advocate for the protection of cultural heritage, as they possess many historically significant sites and artefacts that are at risk due to conflict or looting. These states strongly support UNESCO initiatives, advocating for international cooperation to prevent looting, smuggling, and illegal trade in artefacts. Italy may have the stability to protect its cultural heritage, but stealing and trades on the black market are not uncommon.Developed Nations with Resources to Contribute (e.g., France, United States, United Kingdom)
These nations typically support the protection of cultural heritage and are often involved in funding and participating in UNESCO-led initiatives. They may also lead global efforts to prosecute those responsible for the destruction of heritage or help in post-conflict reconstruction. These nations are also involved in some repatriation efforts, returning looted property to their countries of origin, but mainly also face scrutiny for possessing large amounts of foreign artefacts.Nations with Ongoing or Recent Conflict (e.g. Republic of the Congo, Burkina Faso)
These states mainly request for peacekeeping forces to safeguard heritage sites, support for stronger UNESCO intervention, and demand for international criminal prosecution for cultural crimes.Nations Involved in Ongoing Military Interventions (e.g., Russia, Turkey, Saudi Arabia)
These countries may have mixed positions, as they are both part of international cultural protection efforts and involved in conflicts that may inadvertently (or intentionally) threaten heritage sites.Nations Facing Domestic Heritage Concerns (e.g., India, China)
These nations often support the global protection of cultural heritage but may be more focused on protecting their own heritage within their borders due to internal challenges like urban development or local conflicts. They support international frameworks like UNESCO, but emphasise respecting national sovereignty and opposing foreign intervention without government consent.
What also varies between states, are economic constraints. For example, many Sub-Saharan African Nations may push for international assistance and funding.
Conclusion:
Although everyone can agree on the importance of preserving cultural heritage, the topic can be quite divisive. Focus on the economic constraints and ongoing conflicts in your country, and the international role that your nation plays. Bear in mind, the aim of this topic block is not to debate every conflict in the world, but to address the destruction of cultural heritage. The questions below can help with finding your position on the issue.
Key Questions when researching your country’s position:
Does my country have UNESCO World Heritage sites? Are they at risk due to conflict, urbanization, or climate change?
How important is cultural heritage to national identity, tourism, or international reputation?
What role does my country play in international cultural protection efforts?
How does my country balance military operations with the need to protect cultural sites in conflict zones?
Does my country support international intervention to protect cultural heritage in conflict zones, or does it prioritize national sovereignty over such actions?
What role do future risks, such as urbanization, climate change, and technological threats play?
How can cultural heritage restoration contribute to peace, reconciliation, and economic development after conflict in my country or globally?
Questions a resolution should answer:
Should international peacekeepers or specialized units (like the Blue Helmets for Culture) be deployed to protect vulnerable sites?
What emergency response strategies should be put in place to prevent looting and illegal excavations?
How can the resolution ensure better coordination between UNESCO, national governments, and other stakeholders?
Should individuals or groups responsible for heritage destruction be prosecuted as war criminals in the International Criminal Court (ICC)?
Should there be international funds established to support post-conflict restoration efforts?
What are the priorities for reconstruction, and how should the international community support affected countries?
What kind of early-warning systems or monitoring mechanisms can be implemented to detect and respond to threats before damage occurs?
How can countries improve border controls, intelligence-sharing, and monitoring of art markets to combat illicit trafficking?
What criteria are there when it comes to prioritising issues? Which problems need to be tackled first and in which regions?
Country suggestions:
Azerbaijan
Armenia
Iraq
Syria (observer)
France
Italy
Turkey
United States
Jordan
Egypt
United Kingdom
Ukraine (observer)
Russia (observer)
China
India
