As an Advisory Body to the World Heritage Convention, ICCROM joins UNESCO and its sister Advisory Body ICOMOS in condemning the recent attacks on the World Heritage properties and buffer zones of “The Historic Centre of Odesa” including the Transfiguration Cathedral and “L'viv – the Ensemble of the Historic Centre.” As stated in the Operational Guidelines, these properties of Outstanding Universal Value are “so exceptional as to transcend national boundaries and to be of common importance for present and future generations of all humanity. As such, their permanent protection is of the highest importance to the international community as a whole.”
ICCROM calls attention to Article 6.3 of the World Heritage Convention, which states that “Each State Party to this Convention undertakes not to take any deliberate measures which might damage directly or indirectly the cultural and natural heritage referred to in Articles 1 and 2 situated on the territory of other States Parties to this Convention.” ICCROM, therefore, calls for a halt to attacks on World Heritage properties, including their buffer zones, as well as other cultural heritage properties within Ukraine. ICCROM is already working with UNESCO, ICOMOS and other international and local partners to assist heritage professionals and site managers from Ukraine in damage assessment, protection, and recovery of the affected cultural heritage sites. We will continue to offer our assistance going forward as needed.