Topic: 2025-Protecting Heritage Sites and Cultural Artifacts in Conflict Zones
Country: Republic of Korea
Delegate Name: Zaitun Kirabo
As a duty not only to our individual cultural heritage but also our shared history, it is imperative the protection of heritage sites and cultural artifacts is taken into serious consideration. These sites, buildings, and items serve as a tangible connection to the remnants of our collective human history. And Korea, as a nation that has been subject to war and foreign occupation, understands the desire and need to protect cultural heritage from destruction and trafficking. South Korea in many ways is committed to the preservation of heritage sites and cultural artifacts and has worked for many years on multiple endeavors in this pursuit.
With multiple heritage sites and artifacts recognized on the World Heritage List, the Intangible Cultural Heritage List and the Memory of the World List, Korea has actively taken significant steps to protect its own heritage. But the work does not end there. The Republic of Korea is a firm believer in international cooperation and therefore contributes to UNESCO and other international organizations that work to protect and restore cultural heritage in war-torn regions, including Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. And in order to tackle the issue of the illicit trafficking of multiple stolen artifacts, Korea collaborates with organizations such as INTERPOL and UNESCO.
But this is not enough. The Republic of Korea urges the international community and UNESCO to consider and adopt stricter measures for the protection of cultural heritage in conflict zones. Armed conflicts such war and violent domestic disputes pose an immense risk to our shared history, whether through war-related destruction or the deliberate targeting of cultural landmarks by terrorist groups. Our stance is additionally reinforced by national trauma. The Korean War left in its wake the destruction of countless historical sites, artifacts, and buildings many of which remain lost forever. This experience only bolsters our stance on the protection of heritage sites and cultural artifacts in conflict zones. We propose the creation of a fund for the upkeep, restoration and preservation of heritage sites, that would be overseen by a committee of individuals from a range of countries, truly representative of our international community. Through these efforts alone can we truly safeguard the cultural legacies and the very fabric of our global tapestry that are threatened by conflict.
