UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

04/17/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 04/17/2024 07:57

Workshop advances Kenya's ratification of 1954 and 2001 UNESCO Culture Conventions

The Departmental Parliamentary Committee for Sports and Culture of The National Assembly Kenya, along with esteemed stakeholders and guardians of culture and heritage, organized a sensitization workshop in Mombasa from April 12 to 13, 2024. The event explored two cornerstone UNESCO conventions: the 1954 Hague Convention and its two protocols, and the 2001 Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage.

Among the thirty distinguished participants, including the parliamentary group, were representatives from UNESCO Headquarters and the Regional Office, the Kenya National Commission for UNESCO, National Museums of Kenya, the Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of Gender, Culture, the Arts, and Heritage. The workshop shed light on the profound importance of these conventions and advocated for their swift ratification, thus completing Kenya's array of UNESCO cultural safeguards.

Preserving our rich cultural heritage is not only a matter of safeguarding artifacts; it is our sacred duty to protect the essence of our nation, ensuring that the stories, traditions, and legacies of our ancestors endure for generations to come.

Dr. James Njogu, Secretary General a.i., Kenya National Commission for UNESCO

Set against the backdrop of the 70th anniversary of the 1954 Convention and the global focus on the Ocean Decade, the workshop served as a beacon of enlightenment. Facilitated by the renowned heritage expert Prof. George Abungu, the 21-member parliamentary cohort embarked on an engaging journey to understand the essence and vast benefits of ratification.

Anne Sidorenko, the head of the Cultural Heritage Protection Treaties Unit at UNESCO headquarters, explained the important features of the 1954 Convention, a robust safeguard against the destruction of cultural heritage during armed conflict. Meanwhile, Judith Ogana, National Professional Officer for Culture at UNESCO Nairobi Office, and archaeologist Caesar Bita from the National Museums of Kenya, engaged the audience with an exposition on the vital 2001 Convention, which protects the submerged legacies of humanity's past.

Kenya's decisive move towards the process of ratification of these key UNESCO Conventions signals a profound commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage, both on land and beneath the waves. Embracing these conventions will not only protect Kenya's treasures but also align with the global efforts to preserve humanity's shared heritage.

Anne Sidorenko, Head of the Cultural Heritage Protection Treaties Unit, Culture and Emergencies, UNESCO headquarters

Fueled by lively discussions and insightful Q&A sessions, the workshop became a crucible of enlightenment, dispelling any lingering doubts and ensuring clarity.

While Kenya has a commendable track record in ratifying and effectively implementing Cultural Conventions, these two treaties remain as the final steps awaiting official approval. However, bolstered by the fervor and commitment of the parliamentary group, there is an electrifying sense of optimism. Kenya, on the brink of embracing the complete array of cultural conventions, stands ready to champion the cause of heritage preservation, whether on the battlefield or beneath the waves, ensuring the timeless legacy of its rich cultural tapestry endures for generations to come.

What is "The 2001 Convention?"

Recognizing that underwater cultural heritage is largely undervalued, the 2001 Convention provides a common legally binding framework for States Parties on how to better identify, research and protect their underwater heritage while ensuring its preservation and sustainability. Adopted on 2 November 2001 at the 31st General Conference of UNESCO, the Convention on the Protection of the Underwater Cultural Heritage urges States to take all appropriate measures to protect underwater heritage.

What is "1954 Hague Convention"?

Considering that the preservation of cultural heritage is of great importance for all peoples of the world and thus needs universal protection, the Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict was adopted in 1954 under the auspices of UNESCO. Now widely referred as the 1954 Hague Convention, is the first and the most comprehensive multilateral treaty dedicated exclusively to the protection of cultural heritage in times of peace as well as during an armed conflict.