Urban Warfare and Cultural Heritage

Urban warfare poses severe threats to cultural heritage, often targeting sites as military objectives or turning them into battlefields. This study highlights the devastating impact on urban cultural heritage during conflicts, with examples from Sabratha, Palmyra, Aleppo, and other locations. It identifies gaps in international law, particularly the 1954 Hague Convention and 1977 Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions, which lack specific protections for urban warfare scenarios. While the International Criminal Court (ICC) has recognized attacks on urban cultural heritage as war crimes—such as in Timbuktu—this precedent remains poorly implemented despite a 2018 agreement with UNESCO. The paper advocates for stronger accountability mechanisms and revised regulations to deter future violations, suggesting innovative solutions like a permanent annual forum for international cooperation.

Bonaviri, G. M., & El Debuch, H. (2021). Urban Warfare and Cultural Heritage. McGill GLSA Research Series, 1(1), 1–36. https://doi.org/10.26443/glsars.v1i1.143