The use of explosive weapons in urban warfare is causing catastrophic damage to cultural heritage sites and endangering civilian lives, according to a new report by Human Rights Watch and Harvard Law School’s International Human Rights Clinic. The report, titled “Destroying Cultural Heritage: Explosive Weapons’ Effects in Armed Conflict and Measures to Improve Protection,” was released ahead of an April 2024 meeting in Oslo, Norway, where signatories of the 2022 Political Declaration on the Protection of Civilians will convene.

Cultural Heritage at Risk
The 80-page report details the immediate and long-term impacts of explosive weapons such as aerial bombs, artillery shells, rockets, and missiles on cultural heritage in populated areas. Historic buildings, museums, archives, religious sites, and public spaces often bear the brunt of such attacks, erasing history, undermining community identity, and imposing steep financial costs.

“Governments must understand that the use of explosive weapons in cities not only harms civilians but also destroys cultural legacies that connect communities and generations,” said Bonnie Docherty, senior arms adviser at Human Rights Watch.

Case Studies Highlight Devastation
The report examines the ongoing war in Ukraine to underscore the vulnerability of cultural sites to explosive weapons. Five case studies—including museums, archives, and places of worship—illustrate the frequency and severity of the destruction. Other conflicts, such as those in Gaza and Yemen, provide further examples of both direct damage and long-term “reverberating effects” on civilian populations and cultural heritage.

Call to Action
Since November 2022, 86 countries have endorsed the Political Declaration, which outlines measures to prevent and mitigate the effects of explosive weapons in urban settings. The report urges governments to fully implement the declaration’s protections for cultural heritage by:

• Avoiding the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.
• Training military personnel to recognize and safeguard cultural heritage sites.
• Collecting and sharing data on damage to cultural assets.
• Ensuring preservation experts have immediate access to affected areas.

“These actions can strengthen existing international laws and better safeguard cultural heritage and civilians alike,” Docherty emphasized.

Broader Implications
The destruction of cultural heritage resonates beyond local communities, affecting humanity’s shared history and identity. By endorsing and applying the declaration, governments can contribute to reducing the long-term consequences of urban warfare.

“Protecting cultural heritage is not just about preserving history; it’s about protecting the future of nations and their people,” Docherty concluded.

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