The International Criminal Court (ICC) publishes a Policy on Cultural Heritage
On 14 June, the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) officially published a ‘Policy on Cultural Heritage’ in an effort to act decisively to protect cultural heritage in an attempt to take decisive action to protect cultural heritage in times of war and conflict, bearing in mind the common aspect of deliberate attacks on cultural heritage in these contexts.
Using input from its specialists at International Scientific Committees and Working Groups, ICOMOS submitted its comments to the consultation process on the draft policy drawing on contributions, notably on rights-based approaches, areas of extreme conflict impact on cultural heritage, and risk preparedness.
ICOMOS expressed its availability to work with the ICC in peacetime and during all stages of the investigation and prosecution process to increase awareness, document cultural heritage and to provide methodologies, assessment, mediation, practice, training, as well as other tools essential for successful application of this significant and seminal Policy.