The UNESCO World Heritage Committee [5] said June 29 that extremist groups' destruction of antiquities and heritage sites in conflict zones could amount to war crimes. The committee noted particularly the Islamic State [6]'s destruction of the ancient city of Hatra [7] in Iraq, and was deeply concerned about the group's capture of Palmyra [7] in May. Both cities are UNESCO World Heritage sites, and carry much archaeological significance. The committee adopted a resolution [8] which states in part that "[i]ntentional attacks against buildings dedicated to religion, education, art, science or charitable purposes and historic monuments may amount to war crimes." The resolution also expressed UNESCO's deep shock and alarm at the repeated attacks by ISIS "aimed at destroying cultural diversity through deliberate targeting of individuals and communities on the basis of cultural, ethnic or religious background, as well as places of worship, memory and learning," as well as looting and excavations that "seriously undermine irreplaceable cultural treasures."
From Jurist [9], June 30. Used with permission.
