UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

07/31/2023 | News release | Distributed by Public on 08/01/2023 00:21

UNESCO mobilizes female military personnel from Africa to protect cultural property in the peacekeeping process

The exercise contributed to raising awareness of the protection of cultural property in times of armed conflict and familiarised female military personnel in Africa on the legal obligations stipulated in the 1954 Hague Convention and its two Protocols (1954 and 1999), with a view to enhance their full and effective participation in all stages of peacekeeping and peace-building processes.

Participants benefited from a combination of technical modules and thematic discussions delivered by military and civilian experts and cultural property protection officers, including Dr Anna Kaiser, Professor at the University of Krems, Director of the Center for the Protection of Cultural Property, and Austrian Army Reserve Officer, Captain Timothée Le Berre, Deputy referent for Army heritage (France), and Dr Franck Ogou, Director of the School of African Heritage (Benin), as well as the UNESCO Secretariat of the 1954 and 1970 Conventions, among others.

In the opening ceremony, Hon. Ms Catherine Kathungu Furaha, Minister of Culture of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, emphasised the country's commitment to promote this agenda, towards the ratification of the 1954 Convention:

For the DRC, a UNESCO Member State since 1960, the protection of cultural property is a necessity and an emergency. It is also a republican and constitutional duty, as clearly stated in article 46 of its Constitution of February 18, 2006: "It (the State) protects cultural heritage and ensures its promotion.
Hon. Ms Catherine Kathungu FurahaMinister of Culture of the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The first day introduced key themes as the history of the protection of cultural property, its protection under international law and its importance for post-conflict stabilization and reconstruction, as well as strategies for the identification and mapping of cultural properties through distinctive marking. On the second day, the experts delved into more technical aspects such as military obligations, strategic planning during operations, evaluation of damages, and the specific responsibilities of female officers in the peace-building process, with presentations of case studies from all over the world. The participants engaged in interactive discussions, shared views, and learnt about the different contexts and approaches adopted by the respective countries, which facilitates the creation of a future network and knowledge sharing in the continent.

Participants engaged in interactive discussions, shared views, and learnt about the different contexts and approaches adopted by the respective countries. © UNESCO Kinshasa

The workshop concluded with practical exercises, organized in partnership with the National Museum of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where participants were able to handle various cultural objects conserved at the museum, and practiced preventive measures for their safeguard as well as their emergency evacuation.

This activity is in line with UNESCO's conviction that the protection of cultural property promotes respect and tolerance of cultural diversity, thus creating fertile ground for lasting peace. The 1954 Hague Convention and its two Protocols (1954 and 1999) are major peace-building instruments. Their main aim is to protect heritage while preventing the outbreak of conflicts and the escalation of hostilities and facilitating the mediation of peace.

In line with UNESCO's Africa and gender equality priorities, Dr Isaias Barreto da Rosa, Director of the UNESCO Office in Kinshasa, highlighted women's contribution to the protection of cultural heritage, as well as the maintenance of peace:

Eleven female military participants representing Eastern Africa © UNESCO Kinshasa
We firmly believe that women, who have passionately advocated peace and have been at the forefront of developing sustainable solutions, have a vital role to play in protecting our cultural heritage. [...] Let's not forget that cultural heritage unites us, strengthens us, and empowers us.
Dr Isaias Barreto da RosaDirector of the UNESCO Office in Kinshasa