The 48th Session of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee (WHC), held in Busan, South Korea, from July 26 to 29, concluded with a unanimous resolution condemning the destruction of heritage properties amid armed conflicts. The gathering brought together 162 member nations alongside various international organizations to address the protection of cultural sites.
During the proceedings, Sous Yara, representing the Asian Cultural Council of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), emphasized the importance of safeguarding historical locations. While he did not explicitly name the Preah Vihear Temple—a UNESCO-listed site that sustained damage during border conflicts last year—Yara advocated for accountability regarding the deliberate destruction of heritage sites. "The perpetrators of the deliberate destruction of UNESCO World Heritage Sites must be brought to justice," he stated, while also highlighting the role of cultural preservation in fostering peace and social unity.
The remarks prompted a response from the Thai delegation, which was granted one minute to address the committee. The Thai representative asserted his country's commitment to regional cooperation and the protection of buffer zones surrounding heritage sites, without directly addressing the allegations concerning Preah Vihear.
The committee ultimately called upon all parties involved in active conflicts to refrain from utilizing heritage sites for military purposes and to prioritize the protection of these locations.
Source: Phnom Penh Post
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