Topic: 2025-Protecting Heritage Sites and Cultural Artifacts in Conflict Zones
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Safiya Mahmood
Japan has long recognized the importance of protecting its cultural heritage, particularly in times of conflict. Throughout its history, Japan’s cultural treasures have been threatened, most notably during World War II, when many significant sites and artifacts were damaged or destroyed due to bombings. This loss underscored the need for stronger protections for cultural property, leading Japan to become one of the first nations to ratify the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. The convention, along with its 1999 protocol, established essential legal frameworks to safeguard cultural property during armed conflict, ensuring that cultural sites and artifacts would be preserved even in the midst of war. Japan has been an advocate for these efforts and has continued to support international initiatives focused on the protection of cultural heritage. As the global community witnessed significant destruction of cultural sites during the conflicts in Iraq and Syria, Japan strengthened its commitment to preserving cultural property. This included supporting United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 2347 in 2017, which condemned the targeting of cultural heritage in conflict zones, particularly in the Middle East. Japan has also worked to prevent the looting and trafficking of cultural artifacts by supporting international cooperation and law enforcement efforts. With ongoing threats, both intentional and collateral, to cultural heritage worldwide, Japan continues to advocate for global action to prevent further destruction and loss.
Japan has been a strong advocate for protecting cultural heritage and has actively participated in international efforts to prevent its destruction. As mentioned before, Japan was one of the first countries to sign the Hague Convention and its protocols, underscoring its commitment to safeguarding cultural property in times of conflict. Japan has not only supported legal frameworks but has also financially contributed to initiatives aimed at protecting cultural heritage, including funding for the restoration of historical sites and supporting educational programs that promote awareness of cultural preservation. Japan’s support for UNSC Resolution 2347 in 2017 exemplifies its role in motivating global action against the deliberate destruction of cultural heritage. Japan has also contributed to the restoration of important cultural sites, such as providing funding for the restoration of the Bamiyan Buddhas in Afghanistan, which had been destroyed by the Taliban in 2001. This project reflects Japan’s long-standing commitment to both immediate relief and long-term preservation of cultural heritage. Japan has also taken steps to combat the illicit trade of cultural artifacts, working closely with international law enforcement agencies to strengthen border controls and improve tracking systems for stolen objects.
Japan urges the international community to take further steps to protect cultural heritage sites and artifacts in conflict zones. Japan proposes the strengthening of legal frameworks and the enforcement of international agreements like the Hague Convention, ensuring that cultural property is adequately protected during armed conflict. Additionally, Japan calls for enhanced international cooperation, particularly between UNESCO, the UN, and other global bodies, to provide technical and financial support to countries affected by conflict, especially in efforts to prevent the looting and trafficking of cultural artifacts. Japan also advocates for the creation of an emergency fund managed by UNESCO to provide immediate relief for cultural sites affected by conflict, enabling prompt restoration and protection of heritage sites. Finally, Japan recognizes the importance of public awareness campaigns to foster global support for cultural preservation, emphasizing the need for education on the significance of cultural heritage and responsible handling of artifacts. Through these efforts, Japan aims to strengthen the global response to the protection of cultural heritage in conflict zones and ensure its preservation for future generations.
