UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution Friday condemning the unlawful destruction of cultural heritage and warning the Islamic State extremist group, al-Qaida and other combatants that such attacks may constitute war crimes.
The resolution approved by the U.N.’s most powerful body expands previous measures that were limited to the illicit trafficking in looted cultural items to fund terrorism, and focused on Iraq and Syria where Islamic State extremists have destroyed ancient sites including Palmyra.
The newly adopted measure targets not only the Islamic State, al-Qaida and its affiliates but also all parties to conflicts.
It condemns and urges prosecution of those responsible for attacks against historic monuments and sites and buildings dedicated to religion, education, art, science or charitable purposes as well as those who carry out illegal excavations, loot and traffic in stolen goods.
Irina Bokova, head of the U.N. cultural agency UNESCO, called the resolution “historic” saying it “reflects new recognition of the importance of cultural heritage for peace and security.”
“Heritage is identity — it is belonging,” she told the council after the vote. “The deliberate destruction of heritage is a war crime.”