The Convention, on the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, and its Two Protocols:

• strengthens the UK’s commitment to the protection of its own heritage,

• formalises our responsibility to respect the cultural heritage of other nations, and

• demonstrates how seriously we take our commitments under international law.

The Hague Convention makes it unlawful for those who sign up to it to damage, attack or illicitly trade in cultural property protected by the Convention.

Responses to last year’s consultation highlighted some concerns, however.  The treatment of libraries and archives, compared to museums and immovable cultural property; differences across the Devolved Administrations; and the proposal to make coverage of the Convention voluntary were all raised.  The Government has amended its plans to take account of these concerns.

David Lammy said:

“In so many ways our culture defines us.  And we all know the damage that armed conflict can do on every level.  Along with the human cost, centuries of heritage can be destroyed in a few seconds with appalling consequences for our civilisation. 

“This Government is committed to doing everything it can to protect the world’s priceless cultural heritage and developing our plans in relation to the Hague Convention is a further step in this ongoing process.”

Notes to Editors

1. The UK announced its intention to ratify the Convention and accede to its two Protocols in May 2004, to coincide with the 50th anniversary of its adoption. The UK will, under the terms of the Convention and its Protocols, have to take measures in order to ensure the protection of cultural property during armed conflicts in which it is involved, either at home or abroad.

2. The Convention provides for a system of general and special protection of cultural property in situations of international and non-international armed conflict. Cultural property for this purpose is described as movable and immovable property of great importance to the cultural heritage of every people. 

3. The Convention is supplemented by two Protocols – the first adopted at the same time as the Convention, in 1954 (the First Protocol) and the second adopted in 1999 (the Second Protocol).

4. The Convention does not, of course, cover terrorism or damage to cultural objects by terrorists.  It is about armed conflict between states and the measures that need to be taken by Governments to protect cultural property during such conflicts.