Topic: 2025-Protecting Heritage Sites and Cultural Artifacts in Conflict Zones
Country: Cuba
Delegate Name: Madeleine Baker
Heritage sites and cultural artifacts are the soul of a nation’s identity, representing the history, culture, and traditions that have shaped its people. When these irreplaceable treasures are destroyed or looted in conflict zones, an entire history is at risk of being lost. Cuba stands resolutely in the belief that the protection of heritage sites and cultural artifacts is a fundamental responsibility of the international community, especially in areas impacted by conflict. The destruction of cultural heritage is not just a loss for the affected nation but a loss for humanity as a whole. Preserving these treasures is an obligation, not a choice.
Cuba has long upheld the value of cultural heritage. The Cuban government’s commitment to the preservation of its own cultural artifacts and historical landmarks is evidenced through various policies, including the Cuban National Cultural Heritage Program, which works to safeguard and protect national monuments and traditions. Cuba has demonstrated leadership in international efforts to protect cultural heritage, particularly through its active participation in UNESCO’s 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. This treaty, which aims to prevent the destruction of cultural property during wartime, has been ratified by Cuba, demonstrating a firm commitment to the preservation of cultural sites worldwide.
Beyond policy, Cuba has consistently supported the international community in efforts to protect cultural heritage during conflict. In 2015, Cuba contributed to the drafting of UN Resolution 2347, which condemned the destruction of cultural heritage in conflict zones and called for enhanced protection measures. This resolution recognized the importance of international cooperation in safeguarding cultural property, accentuating the role of the United Nations in ensuring the preservation of these irreplaceable sites. Cuba’s unwavering support for this resolution reflects the nation’s deep belief in the protection of cultural heritage as a shared global responsibility.
The protection of cultural heritage cannot be solely the responsibility of affected countries; it is a matter for the international community to address collectively. Cuba advocates for the strengthening of existing international frameworks, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Convention and the International Criminal Court’s stance on the protection of cultural property, to ensure that those who destroy or loot cultural artifacts in conflict zones are held accountable. Additionally, Cuba calls for greater investment in the training of peacekeepers and military personnel to safeguard cultural property during armed conflict, as well as the implementation of more resilient mechanisms to prevent the illegal trafficking of stolen cultural artifacts.
Humanity’s cultural heritage must not be allowed to be torn apart by conflict. The destruction of heritage sites and the looting of cultural artifacts is not just a wartime casualty; it is an irreparable loss that robs future generations of a connection to their past. Protecting these treasures must be prioritized through strengthened international cooperation, comprehensive policy frameworks, and the shared responsibility of all nations. The time to act is now.
Works Cited
Cuban Ministry of Culture. “National Cultural Heritage Program.” Cuban Ministry of Culture, 2021, http://www.cultura.gob.cu.
UNESCO. “1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.” UNESCO, United Nations, 2023, https://en.unesco.org/themes/protecting-heritage.
United Nations Security Council. “Resolution 2347 (2017).” United Nations, 24 March 2017, https://www.un.org/press/en/2017/sc12809.doc.htm.
UNESCO. “The World Heritage Convention.” UNESCO, United Nations, 2023, https://whc.unesco.org/en/conventiontext/.
International Criminal Court. “Crimes Against Cultural Property.” International Criminal Court, 2022, https://www.icc-cpi.int.
UNESCO. “Protecting Cultural Property in Armed Conflict.” UNESCO, 2023, https://en.unesco.org/protecting-heritage-in-conflict.
