3rd March 2022
STATEMENT BY ICOMOS-UK ON THE CONFLICT IN UKRAINE
We stand in solidarity with all those involved trying to protect homes, culture and heritage in response to the on-going conflict in Ukraine that is shattering families, shattering communities and shattering the places to which they belong.
Although as yet there are no reports of heritage destruction, two of Ukraine’s World Heritage sites[1] , in the centres of Kyiv and L’viv, are extremely vulnerable.
These marvellous sites project the identity and culture of Ukraine and its long history. They will be needed to provide essential support for recovery once the conflict ends; and as part of the heritage of mankind, they transcend national borders and belong to us all.
International Conventions are being tested. Russia has contributed much to the World Heritage Convention and has ratified the Hague Convention of 1956. It surely now should respect both.
In times of conflict, exhortation can sometimes be a powerful weapon to protect heritage. We join other ICOMOS National Committees in stressing the need for all members of the international heritage community to appeal for protection on behalf of the people of Ukraine, so that their heritage can be part of their future.
For more information, please contact admin@icomos-uk.org
[1] Ukraine’s World Heritage sites
- Kyiv: Saint-Sophia Cathedral and Related Monastic Buildings, Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
- L’viv – the Ensemble of the Historic Centre
- Struve Geodetic Arc
- Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe
- Residence of Bukovinian and Dalmatian Metropolitans
- Ancient City of Tauric Chersonese and its Chora
- Wooden Tserkvas of the Carpathian Region in Poland and Ukraine