[Grosseschnauzer]

Quote: Cultural Heritage in War

A resolution to promote funding and the development of education and the arts.

Category: Education and Creativity

Area of Effect: Cultural Heritage

Proposed by: Quintessence of Dust

Description: The United Nations,

Believing that notable articles of cultural heritage constitute a legacy for all people,

Noting the heightened risk to such articles during armed conflict,

Convinced that the preservation of cultural heritage for all is a goal both worthy of and requiring international action and agreement,

Equally not wishing to unduly infringe upon the sovereign territory and right to self-defence of its member nations:

1. Defines, for the purposes of this resolution, "cultural heritage" as:
- articles of great cultural value, and especially those bearing archaeological, artistic, historical or religious significance;
- areas and buildings primarily used for the storage and display of such items, such as galleries, libraries and museums;
- sites officially recognised as being used solely for archaeological excavation;
- any other articles agreed on by parties to the armed conflict as protected cultural property, or designated as such in international law;

2. Declares that this resolution shall be considered to apply in times of armed conflict, which shall include:
- armed conflict between two or more state parties;
- civil war recognised as such by both internal and external parties;
- armed insurrection or civil disturbance leading to a declaration of a state of emergency;

3. Requires member nations to refrain from, and prevent to the best abilities their forces and the civilian populations of areas under their control from engaging in:
- the deliberate and targeted destruction or damage of cultural heritage, except where such articles are being used for military purposes by opposing forces, or where damage to such articles is unavoidable, or necessary for the preservation of military or civilian life;
- the desecration, vandalism, theft or taking as reparations of cultural heritage;
- the use of sites of cultural heritage for any military purposes, excepting the treatment of casualties;

4. Condemns all acts in contravention of this resolution and calls upon member nations to investigate, try, and where found guilty punish those involved in such acts.

Voting Ends: Thu Apr 19 2007[/quote]

[Yeldan IDU Territory]

FOR.

[Paradica]

FOR.

[Mikitivity]

Strong support! My government was disappointed when the World Heritage List was repealed as we were one of the first nations to actually begin listing sites with the United Nations. Naturally we've maintained domestic laws to protect those sites and are pleased that the UN is now debating a superior replacement resolution.

We'd like to furthermore propose that should this resolution pass, that we work together within the IDU to make a list of IDU sites of cultural importance. If there is an interest in this idea, I would suggest it go to our regional government for further debate.

[Gnejs]

We share Mikitivity's view and will support this resolution, and regional coperation on the subject would be nice as well.

On another note, although we are in support of this, we are in the process of trying to write another replacement for the WHR. That one, however, will mainly be aimed at enviromental preservation, and not cultural. A draft will be posted shortly (OOC: When I have the time to sit down) and comments will be much appreciated.

Linda Anaris
UN-Office
GPRG

[Antrium]

FOR.

[Mannifax]

FOR.

[Enn]

FOR

[Grosseschnauzer]

Quote: How shoud the Delegate cast the Region's vote?
FOR  [ 5 ]  [100.00%]
AGAINST  [ 0 ]  [0.00%]
ABSTAIN  [ 0 ]  [0.00%]
Total Votes: 5[/quote]

The region's vote will be cast FOR the proposal.

[Grosseschnauzer]

Quote: The resolution Cultural Heritage in War was passed 8,184 votes to 3,450, and implemented in all UN member nations.[/quote]