Source: UNESCO LinkedIn

UNESCO has expressed serious concern over the deteriorating security situation in the Middle East and the growing risks facing education systems, cultural heritage, media professionals, scientific cooperation, and fragile environmental sites.

UNESCO calls on all parties to exercise maximum restraint and to take all necessary measures to safeguard education, culture, media, science, and the environment as essential foundations of societies.

The Organization has communicated the geographical coordinates of World Heritage properties, sites on national Tentative Lists, and those under Enhanced Protection in order to help prevent damage during ongoing hostilities.

UNESCO further recalls the obligations of all parties under international law, including the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and the 1972 World Heritage Convention. It also reiterates the need to protect schools, students, education personnel, journalists, and media professionals in accordance with relevant UN Security Council resolutions.