Kulturgutzerstörung

Destruction of cultural heritage for ideological reasons, in particular by non-state actors, is challenging the accomplishments of cultural heritage law. As a result of a global increase in cultural cleansing, state failure and fundamentalist violence, this book focuses on the major legal and political challenges the UN are confronted with. It elucidates a new dimension of cultural heritage protection as an interface between human rights, international humanitarian law, international criminal law and state responsibility, and analyses interventions intended to protect cultural heritage within the recently adopted UNESCO strategy on the role of culture in armed conflict. In accordance with the mandate of the UNESCO Chair in International Relations, cultural diversity and respect for cultural values are viewed as security issues. In terms of trade in artefacts from regions of war, this book emphasises the nexus between cultural heritage and peace.