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The United Nations Security Council this week focused its attention on global efforts to stop the traffic in and destruction of cultural property, with the head of the UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) setting out steps to protect cultural heritage and ensure it serves “as a source of belonging and peace for all people in times of conflict.” 

In her briefing, recently appointed UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay, highlighted the Secretary-General’s first report on the adoption by the Council of resolution 2347 (2017), which, among others, condemns destruction of cultural heritage and the looting of cultural property. 

The resolution also encourages Member States to take preventive measures to safeguard cultural property in the context of armed conflict and “take appropriate steps to prevent and counter the illicit trade and trafficking in cultural property and other items of archaeological, historical, cultural, rare scientific and religious importance originating from armed conflict areas, notably from terrorist groups.” 

“The adoption of 2347 of 2017 is a breakthrough and testifies to a new awareness of the importance of culture to respond to conflicts, to prevent radicalisation and fight violent extremism,” Azoulay said adding she is encouraged by Member States’ strong actions to implement it and other Council measures that together provide key aspects in the response against terror and hatred. 

“In a short time span, 29 Member States shared information on new actions to protect cultural heritage, strengthen tools and training of specialised personnel, reinforced international co-operation and information sharing,” she said.

Calling these “positive signals of deep change,” Azoulay noted that more needs to be done. 

The UN cultural agency chief pointed out of 82 UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Arab region, 17 are on the list of World Heritage in Danger due to armed conflict. 

“Over 100 cultural heritage sites across Iraq have been damaged. All six Syrian World Heritage sites have been severely affected, including Palmyra and Aleppo, one of the oldest cities in the world, now reduced to rubble.” 

“In all this, I pledge again UNESCO’s determination to support Member States with the necessary tools and policy advice,” she said. 

Vladimir Voronkov, Under-Secretary-General of the UN Counter-Terrorism Office, explained how terrorists, particularly in armed conflict situations, destroy not only lives and property but in targeting World Heritage Sites, they attack historical roots and cultural diversity. 

“The goal is obvious – to undermine national identity and international law, Heritage constitutes a source of identity and cohesion not only for particular communities but the world community.”

He linked looting and illicit trafficking of cultural objects with financing of terrorism, noting a number of resolutions and legal frameworks to address these crimes. 

“Protecting our cultural heritage requires us to make every effort to implement this international legal and normative framework by strengthening international co-operation,” he said, suggesting an “All of UN” approach as key for effective action. 

He advocated stronger focus on investigation, cross-border co-operation and exchange of information as well as including private and public-sector partners to promote supply chain integrity and stop the illicit sale of cultural property. 

“We must take the opportunity to strengthen efforts to better safeguard vulnerable cultural property in conflict areas, as well as pursue longer-term measures to prevent terrorists and criminals profiting from trafficking,” he said. 

There was a need to help countries detect stolen cultural property and improve international co-operation in investigation, prosecution and adjudication of trafficking in cultural property cases.

“Only in this way can we protect precious cultural heritage from being lost forever,” he said. 

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