UNESCO places 39 cultural sites under enhanced protection amid Middle East conflict

UNESCO has decided to include 39 cultural sites in Lebanon under an enhanced protection regime, in the context of fears related to the destruction caused by the recent bombings in the region, according to AFP. According to the organization, these cultural assets benefit from the "highest level of legal protection" against attacks or use for military purposes. The decision is based on the provisions of the 1954 Hague Convention, which obliges states to protect cultural heritage during armed conflicts.

• Sites targeted: heritage of global importance

Among the sites included are some of the most important historical landmarks of the country: Baalbek, Tyre, Byblos, the National Museum of Beirut. They are considered symbols of universal heritage and attract numerous tourists and researchers every year. UNESCO announced that the sites will benefit from international support, including: technical assistance to strengthen protection; risk management programs; training for cultural specialists and military personnel. The organization has also allocated an emergency fund of over $100,000 for rapid interventions on the ground.

• Tyre, in the vicinity of the conflict

Tyre, located approximately 20 kilometers from the border with Israel, has been targeted by several attacks since the beginning of the conflict between Israel and the Hezbollah group. Although some structures in the area have been damaged, major monuments such as the ancient necropolis, the triumphal arch or the hippodrome have remained intact to this day.

UNESCO stressed that this measure also represents a call to the international community to protect cultural heritage in conflict zones. The organization convened an extraordinary meeting at the request of Lebanon, in the context of the spread of violence in the region.

• Heritage, a collateral victim of war

The conflict in the Middle East, which began at the end of February, has affected not only the infrastructure and civilian population, but also cultural sites in several countries in the region, according to data provided by UNESCO. Although the exact extent of the damage is not yet fully known, the organization warns that cultural heritage remains extremely vulnerable to military operations.