The International Criminal Court publishes the Policy on Cultural Heritage

The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on 14 June officially published the Policy on Cultural Heritage of the Office of the Prosecutor in an effort to act decisively to protect cultural heritage in times of war and conflict and mindful that wilful attacks on cultural heritage are a pervasive feature of conflict.

ICOMOS submitted comments to the consultation process on the draft policy drawing on contributions from its specialist International Scientific Committees and Working Groups, 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, to increase awareness, documenting cultural heritage, and, of course during all stages of the investigation and prosecution process – and to provide methodologies, assessment, mediation, practice, training and other tools essential for successful application of this significant and seminal Policy.

 Read the Policy on Cultural Heritage of the Office of the Prosecutor here.

 Read ICOMOS' comments on the draft Policy here.