Topic: 2025-Protecting Heritage Sites and Cultural Artifacts in Conflict Zones
Country: Spain
Delegate Name: Riley Giebudowski
Protecting Heritage Sites and Cultural Artifacts in Conflict Zones in Spain
Spain has long recognized the profound significance of preserving cultural heritage, not only as a reflection of national identity but as a collective human inheritance. The destruction of cultural heritage in conflict zones is a tragedy that reverberates across time, erasing the legacies of past civilizations and robbing future generations of valuable knowledge. In this context, Spain remains deeply committed to safeguarding heritage sites and cultural artifacts in conflict zones, not only for the preservation of history but as a vital act of fostering peace and reconciliation. This paper outlines Spain’s position on protecting heritage in times of war and conflict, advocating for stronger international cooperation, legal frameworks, and the development of proactive measures to prevent and respond to such threats.
Spain itself has a rich and diverse cultural heritage shaped by centuries of history, including Roman, Moorish, Gothic, and Renaissance influences. From the Alhambra in Granada to the historic city centers of Seville and Toledo, Spain understands first-hand the cultural value embedded in physical spaces and artifacts. As a country with a strong tradition of protecting and promoting its own heritage, Spain is particularly sensitive to the plight of cultural heritage sites and artifacts in conflict zones worldwide. The loss of such heritage can contribute to the destabilization of societies and hinder their recovery and development after conflict.
Spain is a signatory to numerous international conventions and agreements that seek to protect cultural heritage during times of conflict. Notably, Spain is a party to the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, and its protocols. This agreement provides a clear framework for safeguarding cultural heritage in war zones and promotes the principles of preventing the illicit trafficking of cultural artifacts.
In addition, Spain supports the UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export, and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property (1970). Through these agreements, Spain underscores its commitment to ensuring that cultural heritage is protected both on national and international levels, reinforcing the importance of multilateral cooperation in preserving cultural sites and artifacts in conflict zones.
Spain has actively contributed to the establishment of legal protections for cultural heritage under international law. The government has advocated for stronger legal accountability for the destruction of heritage sites and the illegal trade in looted artifacts. Spain supports the inclusion of cultural heritage protection within the mandates of international peacekeeping missions, including those conducted by the United Nations and other regional organizations. Furthermore, Spain urges all nations to adopt and adhere to the principles set forth in the UN Security Council Resolution 2347 (2017), which explicitly condemns the deliberate destruction of cultural heritage in conflict and calls for the establishment of mechanisms to prevent the illicit trafficking of cultural property. As an advocate for justice and accountability, Spain has supported the establishment of international tribunals to prosecute individuals responsible for the destruction of cultural heritage, ensuring that the cultural crimes of war are not left unpunished.
While international legal frameworks and agreements are crucial, Spain also recognizes that more practical measures must be put in place to protect cultural heritage in conflict zones. As such, Spain emphasizes the importance of capacity building within affected countries, enabling local authorities, archaeologists, and museum professionals to protect heritage sites more effectively. In partnership with UNESCO and other international organizations, Spain has been involved in providing financial and technical support to countries facing the destruction of their heritage due to conflict. This support includes the establishment of emergency measures, such as digital documentation of artifacts, the creation of safe storage facilities for valuable items, and the training of personnel in crisis management and heritage protection. In particular, Spain has been involved in initiatives in the Middle East and North Africa, where the cultural heritage of countries like Syria, Iraq, and Libya has been endangered by conflict. Spain’s collaboration with international bodies ensures that heritage protection is incorporated into the broader efforts for post-conflict reconstruction, recovery, and reconciliation.
Spain is also an active participant in combating the illicit trade of cultural artifacts. This trade often flourishes in conflict zones, where the looting of cultural property fuels the financing of armed groups. Spain advocates for robust systems of tracking and repatriating looted artifacts, ensuring that stolen cultural property is returned to its rightful owners, whether individuals, institutions, or nations. Spain has also supported the creation of databases, such as INTERPOL’s Stolen Works of Art database, which helps authorities worldwide trace stolen cultural objects. Spain’s position is clear: it is essential to strengthen cooperation among nations, museums, auction houses, law enforcement, and the public to curb the illicit trade in cultural property. Through rigorous legal frameworks, intelligence sharing, and collaboration with international organizations, Spain strives to prevent the looting of heritage and to ensure that cultural artifacts are preserved for future generations.
In conclusion, Spain’s position on protecting heritage sites and cultural artifacts in conflict zones is grounded in a strong commitment to the principles of cultural preservation, international cooperation, and human dignity. Spain believes that safeguarding cultural heritage is not merely a matter of national pride but a vital component of global peace and stability. The destruction of cultural property not only erases the identity of a people but also exacerbates the humanitarian crisis of war. Through its active participation in international legal frameworks, support for capacity building in crisis management, and commitment to combating the illicit trade in cultural property, Spain continues to play a crucial role in the protection of cultural heritage in conflict zones. As the international community faces increasingly complex challenges, Spain will continue to advocate for stronger global partnerships and practical solutions to ensure the safeguarding of cultural heritage for the benefit of humanity.
