Salameh urges UNESCO to protect archaeological sites threatened by Israeli attacks
The Minister of Culture handed the Director-General of UNESCO a written memorandum to protect archaeological sites in Lebanon.
The Director-General of UNESCO, Dr. Khaled El-Enany, received the Minister of Culture Ghassan Salameh, at his office in Paris during an urgent meeting, during which the minister handed him a written memorandum containing full details about the enormous dangers surrounding archaeological sites in Lebanon as a result of the Israeli attacks.
Minister Salameh requested the organization’s support in protecting these sites in accordance with the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.
Following the meeting between the Director-General and Minister Salameh, UNESCO published the following statement:
In light of the recent escalation of hostilities in Lebanon, UNESCO expresses its deep concern regarding the confirmed damage to Chamaa Castle, as well as reports of attacks targeting the surroundings of Beaufort Castle, both of which are temporarily listed under enhanced protection within the framework of the 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.
UNESCO also expresses concern over the state of conservation of the city of Tyre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site under enhanced protection, in light of the recent alarming developments that may expose the site to further damage and potential looting.
UNESCO strongly condemns unlawful attacks against cultural property. Sites under ‘enhanced protection’ enjoy the highest level of legal protection against attacks and military use. Damaging these institutions deprives communities of access to culture and to shared spaces essential for recovery and social cohesion.
UNESCO and its Regional Office in Beirut will continue working with the Lebanese authorities to assess the damage sustained by cultural institutions and to strengthen urgent protection measures within the scope of its mandate.
