“Culture is what brings us together and unites us,despite differences,specificities,diverse memories and histories. Regrettably, this bridge is the first victim of conflicts and crises,” underlined Mr. bensaid who spoke at the opening of an international conference on “The protection of cultural heritage during humanitarian crises and the question of effectiveness”.
Heritage, wiht its tangible and intangible components, is directly exposed to the effects of conflicts, despite the provisions of the 1954 Hague Convention for the protection of cultural property in the event of armed conflict, the minister explained.
This convention is critically important to the extent that it charts the right path in the face of a humanity that is more divided than ever, he said, noting that we can call on culture and dialog to enable this legal instrument to succeed. to the resolution of conflicts and the establishment of peace.
In this framework, Morocco is attached to three pillars, namely culture, peace and international law, he recalled, adding that under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the Kingdom is committed in close and global cooperation with UNESCO with a view to the consolidation and preservation of tangible and intangible heritage at the African and international levels.
Regarding this conference, the minister highlighted its crucial importance, given the diversity of the participants and the interaction that it promotes between academics, political leaders and international organizations, noting that the discussions will allow to strengthen Morocco’s cultural diplomacy and consolidate commitment to the protection of culture through the law.
and to recall that Morocco is committed, within the framework of the “ALIF” initiative, to the protection of heritage in conflict zones, its preservation, its promotion and its international influence.
For his part, the director of the UNESCO regional office for the Maghreb, Eric Falt, noted that “since time immemorial, the destruction of symbols of the identity of peoples has always been a devastating weapon of war.”
This weapon aims at the unrestrained destruction of cultural heritage, places of worship and spaces of social practices, frequently enough centuries-old, transmitted from generation to generation, to erase the collective memory and any trace of the very existence of the civilizations fought and then defeated, he warned.
The UN official, in this sense, reported an increase in large-scale acts of intentional destruction of heritage, carried out by “extremist and die-hard ideologies” which aim to eradicate the cultural expressions and heritage that they consider it “incredibly a threat, a deviation, a heresy”.
Cultural diversity, which characterizes humanity and is one of its greatest riches, must at all costs be defended through international mobilization, notably via the United Nations, whose programs and specialized agencies are at the service of countries. to achieve our common goals of growth and peace,” argued mr. Falt.
UNESCO,as an agency specializing in the fields of education,science and culture,works tirelessly to carry this message as loudly and as far as possible,he continued,noting that the Association has thus acquired notable expertise in preparation and response,particularly within the framework of its Conventions in the field of Culture.
Initiated by the National Commission on National Humanitarian Law in collaboration with the ministry of Youth, Culture and Communication, this conference is part of the international community’s commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Hague Convention of 1954 for the protection of cultural heritage in the event of armed conflict.
This meeting is also part of the particular interest that Morocco accords to the preservation of the national cultural and civilizational heritage in terms of protection, restoration, maintenance and enhancement, and the permanent commitment of the Kingdom in favor of the protection and promotion of the system of international humanitarian law.
How can local communities contribute to the preservation of their cultural heritage in conflict zones?
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Cultural Heritage Expert
Time.news Editor: good afternoon, and welcome to our exclusive segment. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Mr. Bensaid, an expert in cultural heritage and a panelist at the recent international conference on “The Protection of Cultural Heritage during Humanitarian Crises.” Mr. Bensaid, thank you for joining us.
Mr. Bensaid: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. You opened the conference with the statement that “culture is what brings us together and unites us.” Could you elaborate on why cultural heritage is so crucial during times of conflict?
Mr. Bensaid: Absolutely. Cultural heritage plays a pivotal role in shaping our identities and shared histories. It’s not just about monuments or artifacts; it’s about the collective memories and experiences that bind different communities. When conflicts arise, these cultural bridges are often the first to be damaged or destroyed, leading to not just a loss of identity but also to deepening divides between people.
Editor: That’s a powerful sentiment. You also referenced the 1954 Hague Convention during your address. How effective do you believe this convention is in protecting cultural property during armed conflicts?
Mr. Bensaid: The Hague Convention was a significant step forward in acknowledging the importance of cultural property in times of war. However,despite its provisions,we still witness widespread destruction of cultural sites in conflict zones. The challenge lies not only in enforcement but also in raising awareness about the value of cultural heritage among military personnel and decision-makers. The protection of our shared heritage must be a priority, but it often takes a backseat amid the urgency of humanitarian crises.
Editor: That’s quite concerning. What would you say are the most effective strategies to safeguard cultural heritage in these volatile situations?
Mr. Bensaid: Education and awareness are vital. We need to ensure that everyone—from local communities to international actors—understands the significance of protecting cultural heritage. Additionally, collaboration among nations can enhance protection efforts. Establishing rapid-response teams and utilizing technology for documentation and monitoring can also play a significant role in preservation.
Editor: You mentioned local communities—what role do they play in the protection of cultural heritage?
Mr. Bensaid: Local communities are the guardians of their own heritage. They possess the knowledge and connection to their cultural sites.Involving them in the protection efforts not only empowers them but also fosters a sense of ownership over their heritage. Additionally, local communities can provide valuable insights into the best practices for safeguarding their unique cultural expressions in times of crisis.
Editor: Given the current global climate, what message do you wish to convey to the international community regarding cultural heritage?
Mr. Bensaid: My message is simple: cultural heritage must not be an afterthought. It should be integrated into peace-building strategies and humanitarian responses. when we protect cultural heritage, we invest in dialog and understanding, laying the groundwork for enduring peace. We must work together to ensure that our shared histories and memories are honored, even amidst conflict.
Editor: Thank you, Mr. Bensaid,for sharing your insights with us. It’s evident that while the challenges are significant, the path forward is built on collaboration and understanding. We appreciate your time and your advocacy for the protection of cultural heritage.
Mr.Bensaid: Thank you for having me. Let’s continue this important dialogue. It’s essential for the future of our collective identity.