The Aftermath of Destruction of Cultural Heritage: Factoring In Cultural Rights in Post-Conflict Recovery Processes

Abstract

This paper addresses the first three questions posed by the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights in the framework of the study of intentional destruction of cultural heritage as a violation of human rights:

(1) What is the impact of the intentional destruction of cultural heritage on the enjoyment of human rights, and particularly, on cultural rights? What is the impact of destruction of tangible cultural heritage on intangible cultural heritage, on cultural practices and beliefs, and on the right of concerned persons to participate in cultural life?

(2) What are examples of different situations illustrating the above?

(3) What are examples of good practices, especially with regard to prevention and protection against destruction, as well as repatriation and reconstruction measures of cultural heritage, including through human and cultural rights education and awareness?

Keywords: cultural heritage destruction, cultural rights, transitional justice