Explosive Weapons Pose Threats to Cultural Heritage
CISR
This headline is brought to you by the Center for International Stabilization and Recovery (CISR) which works to support resilience and recovery in global communities affected by war and conflict.
(Just Security) In May 2022, a Russian munition struck the museum home of Ukrainian philosopher Hryhorii Skovoroda, causing a devastating fire. The attack highlights the impact of explosive weapons on cultural heritage and civilian life. Skovoroda’s philosophy greatly influences Ukrainian culture, with universities and currency bearing his name. The destruction of his museum deeply affected Ukrainians, striking at the core of their identity.
A Human Rights Watch report details how explosive weapons in conflicts like those in Ukraine and Yemen harm cultural heritage, emphasizing the need for the 2022 Political Declaration to protect civilians and cultural sites. The Declaration calls for measures such as military training, data sharing, and humanitarian access to safeguard cultural heritage and civilian well-being.
