The deliberate destruction or damaging of buildings and cultural artefacts has sadly become a feature of modern conflicts, especially ethnically driven ones. Citing examples from the recent wars in the former Yugoslavia and from Cyprus, the rapporteur shows how this destruction often aims to eradicate the culture, identity and existence of the “other”.
Yet the restoration of damaged cultural heritage sites can also be part of post-conflict reconciliation, if handled well. The Council of Europe can play an important role in this, not least by developing – together with its partners in this field – a set of guidelines based on the existing “Faro Convention”. Reconstruction should be “de-politicised”, so that technical experts can work without pressure from political or religious authorities, and integrated into broader humanitarian aid programmes. Swift damage assessment and emergency repairs are important first steps. Local people could be involved in repair projects, where appropriate, as part of helping fragmented communities to recover, leading to broader sustainable development strategies which benefit all communities and ensure cultural diversity.
Finally, member States – together with the United Nations – should look at creating stronger sanctions, including reparations, for “militarily unnecessary destruction” and consolidate the legal notion that this be considered a crime against humanity.