Scheme Launched To Protect Cultural Sites From 'Destructive Forces'

The government has announced a new scheme to protect cultural sites from "the destructive forces of war and ISIL terrorists" Culture Secretary John Whittingdale has announced.

The £3m Iraqi Emergency Heritage Management Project – which will be run by the British Museum over five years – was launched today at a cultural summit in central London.

The scheme will create a team of local experts to assess, document and stabilise afflicted sites in Iraq, and help begin the process of reconstruction and preservation of some of the world's most precious cultural artefacts.

During the event, Minister Whittingdale also reaffirmed the government's commitment to ratifying the Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict – with a plan to get it onto the statute books at the first opportunity.

Today's announcements form part of a comprehensive Government plan to rescue ancient sites and objects from destruction by terrorists, wars or natural disasters across the world.

Culture Secretary John Whittingdale said: "Civilisations tell their stories through their art, which is why people who are hell-bent on destruction, target it. Removing places and things that have helped to give people a shared sense of history and identity helps to undermine social cohesion and makes reconciliation less likely.

"Many heritage sites are used for military purposes to shield and conceal soldiers and weapons, and valuable objects are trafficked to finance warmongering. It must be tackled head on."

Neil MacGregor, Director of the British Museum added: "We are grateful to DCMS for their invaluable support on this important programme. This training builds on our collaborations with colleagues in the region and will make a real difference in recording and preserving the cultural heritage currently under threat in Iraq."

(MH/CD)