Mobilising International Support to Protect Cultural Heritage in Lebanon & in the Wider Arab Region

A Joint Statement by Cultural Emergency Response (CER) and NGO Biladi, coordinators of the CER Regional Hub in the Levant, on Mobilising International Support for Locally-Led Efforts to Protect Cultural Heritage in Lebanon & in the Wider Arab Region

Cultural heritage in Lebanon is an essential component of the national identity, a testament to its cultural and civilisational diversity. This heritage is currently at risk of destruction due to the ongoing war, facing unprecedented threats, which constitutes an attack on the collective identity and the memory of people and communities.

Join us in sharing this message to mobilise the international community in support of Lebanese cultural heritage and, by extension, the heritage of communities across the wider Arab region.

Heritage sites of immense local, national and global value have already been damaged or destroyed, profoundly affecting the cultural identities and landscapes of Lebanon and its communities.

Recognising the importance of protecting Lebanon’s cultural heritage during this conflict, we call upon the international community to unite for immediate and coordinated actions to safeguard it.

We propose the following need-based measures expressed by Lebanese partners on the ground:

1. Adherence to the 1954 Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict:

Lebanon is a signatory to the convention and has ratified its first and second protocols. All archaeological sites bearing the emblem of the convention should be considered “protected and safe landmarks,” and no harm should befall them. The Lebanese Ministry of Culture has presented 34 sites to UNESCO for “Enhanced Protection” and we support these parties in the granting and implementation of this protection. We also support these sites being placed on a "No Strike List", with their coordinates widely shared to ensure their protection and promote adherence to safety protocols. Any violations should be considered war crimes.

2. International cooperation and support to stop the widespread destruction of urban spaces:

We appeal to the international community to intensify their efforts to support Lebanon and stop the threats to historical identity and memory, as this constitutes the irreparable loss of both cultural and religious heritage.

3. Protection of museums, collection storage facilities, cultural institutions, and other heritage spaces crucial to the cultural continuity of communities:

We must prioritise safeguarding spaces for community gatherings, expression, and trauma recovery, and supporting ongoing cultural practices and practitioners. This is done by actions such as documenting damage, strengthening existing capacities, facilitating access to storage spaces and materials, and creating tentative protective measures for collections and heritage spaces.

To protect heritage is to protect identity and memory.

Please share this message or reach out for support at: info@culturalemergency.org.