Paris, November 2024. Within the framework of the extraordinary meeting of the Committee for the Protection of Cultural Heritage in the event of Armed Conflict, requested by Lebanon, Cuban Ambassador María del Carmen Herrera Caseiro expressed Cuba's unwavering solidarity with that Middle Eastern country, victim of Israel's indiscriminate attacks against its territory.
In her speech before the Committee, the Cuban diplomat condemned Israeli actions in Lebanon, causing numerous losses of human lives and destruction.
Recognizing the exceptional value of Lebanese cultural heritage for the world, the representative of the Island called for urgent measures to be taken for its protection. "Protecting Lebanon's cultural heritage is essential to preserving cultural diversity, fostering peace and reaffirming our collective commitment to UNESCO values," said the Cuban Ambassador.
In this context, she conveyed Cuba's unconditional support for the decision to include 34 Lebanese cultural sites on the International List of Cultural Property under Enhanced Protection, as well as for the request for international assistance to Lebanon from the Fund for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.
The Committee for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict was established under the Second Protocol to the Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict adopted in The Hague on 14 May 1954. The Committee is composed of 12 States Parties to that Instrument.
Text of the statement of the Ambassador of Cuba
Chairperson, Distinguished Delegates,
Cuba takes the floor to express its unwavering support for Lebanon’s request for the provisional inscription of its cultural sites on the International List of Cultural Property under Enhanced Protection, as outlined in Item 4 of the provisional agenda.
We recognize Lebanon’s exceptional cultural heritage, which reflects the rich history and diversity of human civilization. These sites are not only the pride of the Lebanese people but also treasures of global significance that embody the shared cultural and historical identity of humanity.
Cuba commends Lebanon’s efforts to uphold the principles of the 1999 Second Protocol to the Hague Convention of 1954 for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. The urgent threats posed to cultural heritage in Lebanon due to armed conflict necessitate immediate and decisive action to ensure the protection of these invaluable sites from destruction, misuse, or neglect.
In this regard, Cuba strongly condemns the repeated attacks by Israel that have caused extensive deaths and destruction, and have endangered Lebanon’s cultural heritage, including violations of international humanitarian law and UNESCO conventions. Such actions not only target the cultural and historical fabric of Lebanon but also constitute a direct affront to global efforts to preserve cultural heritage and uphold international law.
We reiterate that safeguarding cultural property is a legal obligation under international humanitarian law and a moral imperative for the international community. Protecting Lebanon’s cultural heritage is essential to preserving cultural diversity, fostering peace, and reaffirming our collective commitment to the values of UNESCO.
Cuba stands in solidarity with Lebanon. We support its demand, and endorse decisions adopted for the provisional inscription of its 34 cultural properties under enhanced protection. Furthermore, we call for an end to all acts of aggression against cultural heritage and a recommitment to international law to ensure the safety and preservation of humanity’s shared cultural treasures.
At the same time, Cuba fully supports the request for international assistance from the Fund for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, and the decision submitted under item 5.
Thank you, Chairperson.