UNESCO/ICOMOS

Responding to increased and deliberate destruction of important monuments and other cultural property during armed conflicts, the Resolution asserts that deliberate war damage should be charged as a war crime under the Hague Convention of 1954. Although knowledge of cultural heritage can facilitate the deliberate targeting during conflict, nonetheless attempts to increase mutual understanding between cultures should continue. The Resolution calls for:

• the protection of cultural heritage to be part of any UN Peace-Keeping mission,
• heritage monitors to be appointed to such task forces, and
• UN military personnel to be trained regarding conventions for the protection of cultural property.

The Resolution notes that few nations have registered their most valuable cultural assetsand encourages to do so. The Resolution supports a number of initiatives, including:

• a review of the 1954 Hague Convention,
• a fund for cultural heritage at risk,
• school programs to educate about the conservation of cultural heritage, and
• training for journalists and other members of the media regarding provision of the Hague Convention and the World Heritage Convention.