Jerusalem/Cultural heritage – UNESCO Gen. Conference resolution

Resolution 21 C/4/14 (1980)

4/14 Preservation of cultural property In Jerusalem

The General Conference,

Recalling the Constitution and the objectives of Unesco relating to the protection and preservation of the world heritage of monuments of historical and scientific value,

Considering the exceptional importance of the cultural property in the City of Jerusalem, not only to the countries directly concerned but to all humanity, on account of its unique cultural, historical and religious value,

Recalling United Nations General Assembly resolutions 2253 (ES-V) of 4 July 1967 and 2254 (ES-V) of 14 July 1967, calling on Israel to rescind the measures it has taken to change the status of the City of Jerusalem and to refrain from any similar act in the future,

Recalling the resolutions and decisions adopted by the General Conference and the Execu-tive Board of Unesco, in particular 18 C/Resolution 3.427, 19 C/Resolution 4.129 and 20 C/Resolution 4/7.6/13,

Taking into consideration Security Council resolution 478 dated 20 August 1980,

Considering that the adoption by Israel of the 'basic law' modifying the character and status of the Holy City of Jerusalem is yet another of the many obstructions placed by Israel in the way of Unesco's continuing efforts to protect the common heritage of mankind,

1. Reaffirms all the resolutions and decisions adopted by the General Conference and the Executive Board concerning the City of Jerusalem;

2. Vigorously condemns Israel for its continuing refusal to carry out those resolutions and decisions;

3. Endorses Security Council resolution 478, dated 20 August 1980, by which the Council:

'Censures in the strongest terms the enactment by Israel of the "basic law" on Jerusalem and the refusal to comply with relevant Security Council resolutions;

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Determines that all legislative and administrative measures and actions taken by Israel, the occupying Power, which have altered or purport to alter the character and status of the Holy City of Jerusalem, and, in particular, the recent "basic law" on Jerusalem, are null and void and must be rescinded forthwith;

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Decides not to recognize the 'basic law" and such other actions by Israel that, as a result of this law, seek to alter the character and status of Jerusalem…';

4. Invites Member States to withhold all recognition of the modifications made by Israel to the character and status of Jerusalem and to abstain from any act that might imply any recognition whatsoever of those modifications;

5. Invites the Executive Board to review developments in the situation regarding Jerusalem and to take any measures that it might consider appropriate, in conform-ity with the prerogatives conferred upon it by the Constitution;

6. Invites the Director-General to keep a constant watch on the execution of the resolu-tions and decisions of the General Conference and Executive Board concerning Jerusalem;

7. Recommends that the World Heritage Committee speed up the procedure for includ-ing the City of Jerusalem on the 'World Heritage List' and that it consider its in-clusion on the 'List of World Heritage in Danger';

8. Thanks the Director-General for his efforts to secure implementation of Unesco's resolutions on the question of Jerusalem;

9. Requests the Director-General to inform the Executive Board, at its 113th session, of developments in this matter;

10. Decides to include this item on the agenda of its twenty-second session.