Jerusalem’s cultural heritage – UNESCO decision

UNITED NATIONS EDUCATIONAL,

SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANIZATION

Executive Board    ex

Hundred and seventy-second session

(Paris, 13-29 September 2005)

172 EX/Decisions

PARIS, 21 November 2005

DECISIONS ADOPTED

BY THE EXECUTIVE BOARD AT ITS 172nd SESSION

18 Jerusalem and the implementation of 32 C/Resolution 39 and 171 EX/Decision 18 (172 EX/19; 172 EX/61 Add.)

The Executive Board,

1. Recalling 32 C/Resolution 39 and 171 EX/Decision 18, as well as the provisions of the four Geneva Conventions (1949), the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict (1954) and the related Protocols, and the Convention for the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (1972), the inclusion of the Old City of Jerusalem in the World Heritage List and in the List of World Heritage in Danger, and the recommendations, resolutions and decisions of UNESCO on the protection of the cultural heritage,

2. Affirming that nothing in the present decision, which is aimed at the safeguarding of the cultural heritage of the Old City of Jerusalem, shall in any way affect the relevant United Nations resolutions and decisions, in particular the relevant Security Council resolutions on the legal status of Jerusalem,

3. Having examined document 172 EX/19 concerning Jerusalem,

4. Expresses its sincere thanks to the Director-General for his sustained efforts for the safeguarding of the cultural and natural heritage of the Old City of Jerusalem, in compliance with 32 C/Resolution 39 of the General Conference and 171 EX/Decision 18 of the Executive Board, and reiterates its concern as to the obstacles to the safeguarding of the cultural and natural heritage of the Old City of Jerusalem;

5. Taking note of the declaration by the Director-General concerning Jerusalem at the 172nd session of the Executive Board which appeals to all parties concerned to respect the outstanding universal value of the Old City of Jerusalem and to refrain from anything that may jeopardize the distinctive character of the Old City of Jerusalem inscribed on the World Heritage List and on the List of World Heritage in Danger, invites him to pursue his

efforts with the concerned authorities in this regard;

6. Congratulates the Director-General on his initiatives in favour of the safeguarding of the cultural heritage of the Old City of Jerusalem, particularly the latest UNESCO mission (September 2005);

7. Invites the Director-General to submit to it at its 175th session an action plan based on the guidelines proposed by the International Committee of Experts and the results of the missions on the spot;

8. Expresses its gratitude to the Director-General for the progress made towards establishing a centre for the conservation of Islamic manuscripts in al-Ashrafîya Madrasa within the Esplanade of the Mosques (al-Haram ash-Sharîf), requests him to intensify his efforts in that regard, and thanks the United Arab Emirates and the Welfare Association for their support and their generous contribution;

9. Recalling that this item is inscribed on the agenda of the 33rd session of the General Conference, recommends to the latter to adopt this text as it stands;

10. Decides to include this item in the agenda of the 174th session of the Executive Board.