NEWS
Blue Shield signs Memorandum of Understanding with the International Committee of the Red Cross
UNESCO UK – 17 FEB 2020
This week, Blue Shield signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Geneva, moving our ambition to end the unnecessary destruction of cultural property during conflict another step closer.
The agreement will see the two organisations working together to:
– Encourage counties to ratify international law for the protection of cultural property in the event of armed conflict and provide technical advice on how to implement this
– Cooperate regarding awareness-raising of humanitarian organisations and national officials on the protection of cultural property
– Share information where possible and compatible with security, on cultural property at risk
KARL HABSBURG
President of the Blue Shield
"I am extremely pleased to be signing this MoU with the ICRC as it underlines the fact that the protection of cultural property and heritage is indivisibly interwoven with the protection of people. The ICRC and Blue Shield focus on, and have expertise in, different aspects of this integrated whole, and our work supports and strengthens each other’s activities. I look forward to a long and very productive relationship.
"I should like to thank Benjamin Charlier of the ICRC, and Professor Peter Stone and his UNESCO Chair team in Cultural Property Protection & Peace at Newcastle University in the UK. Without their work, and Newcastle University’s support, this MoU would not have been possible. Finally, I’d like to thank Jennifer Price-Jones for her important contribution in helping develop Blue Shield’s work with the humanitarian community"
The ICRC is an independent, neutral organisation which ensures humanitarian protection and assistance for victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence. It takes action in response to emergencies and promotes respect for international humanitarian law and its implementation in national law. Its work is based on the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their 1977 Additional Protocols.
YVES DACCORD
Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross
"Protecting cultural property and cultural heritage against the devastating effects of war unfortunately remains a humanitarian imperative, today perhaps more than ever. Joining forces with a partner like the Blue Shield through the signing of this MoU is therefore extremely important for the ICRC. I am very pleased with this new partnership and look forward to maximizing the impact of our programs in the field of the protection of cultural heritage, through the coordination of activities with the Blue Shield"
The Blue Shield is an international non-governmental organisation (NGO) that works to protect heritage during and after armed conflicts and disasters, and which advises UNESCO regarding the protection of cultural property in the event of armed conflict. It was created in 1996 and comprises an international Board elected by 25 national committees.
PROFESSOR PETER STONE
Vice-President of the Blue Shield and the UNESCO Chair for Cultural Property Protection and Peace at Newcastle University
"It’s a statement to the world that both organisations see the critical importance to communities of their tangible and intangible cultural heritage. This is a really important step forward in the wider protection of cultural property and it would not have happened without the support of Newcastle University."
“A first step to much stronger collaboration and, we hope, much better protection."
by UNESCO UK
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