The cultural heritage of Iraq

Statement from the International Committee of the Blue Shield on the impact of war in Iraq:

The International Committee of the Blue Shield (ICBS) expresses its profound concern about the potential damage to, and destruction of, cultural heritage in the event of war in Iraq. The Committee urges all the governments concerned to work within the spirit of The Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, to protect archives, libraries, monuments and sites, and museums. The ICBS believes that access to authentic cultural heritage is a basic human right.

Damage to, and destruction of, cultural heritage represents an impoverishment, not only of the cultural life of the community directly concerned, but of humanity as a whole. This belief is expressed in several international conventions. Iraq is universally recognised to be especially rich in cultural heritage. The area is often described as the 'cradle of civilisation'. The loss of parts of that heritage would represent a grave loss to all the peoples of the world.

The International Committee for the Blue Shield (ICBS) comprises representatives of four non-governmental organisations: International Council on Archives (ICA), International Council on Museums (ICOM), International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA)

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