UNESCO adopts amendment that will strengthen protection of cultural heritage during war

UNESCO has adopted an amendment that will allow for the creation of long-term response strategies in times of war to protect cultural heritage. The initiative was proposed by Ukraine.

About this reported Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications.

The document stipulates that UNESCO, together with its advisory bodies, will include a separate section in future reports on the impact of armed conflicts on heritage sites. The agency explained that this decision should strengthen operational response and improve mechanisms for the protection of cultural heritage sites.

"Such a step will allow not only to record the threats facing heritage sites, but also to form long-term response strategies in the context of hostilities, protecting the cultural heritage of humanity," the ICSC noted.

In July 2024, UNESCO already condemned Russia's full-scale aggression and the targeted destruction of Ukraine's cultural heritage.

According to the Ministry of Culture, as of May 25, 2025, Russia has already destroyed 1482 cultural sites in Ukraine. Of these, 145 are of national importance, 1232 are of local importance, and 105 are newly discovered monuments.

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