Jerusalem’s cultural heritage – UNESCO decision

14 Jerusalem and the implementation of 35 C/Resolution 49 and 184 EX/Decision 12

(185 EX/14; 185 EX/52 Rev.)

N.B. After considering this item and following a vote taken by roll-call, with 34 votes in favour, 1 vote against and 19 abstentions, the United States of America having voted against, the Programme and External Relations Commission recommended that the Executive Board adopt the following draft decision:

The Executive Board,

1. Recalling 184 EX/Decision 12, and having examined document 185 EX/14,

2. Also recalling resolutions and decisions of UNESCO on Jerusalem, 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),

3. Further recalling General Conference resolutions and Executive Board decisions regarding the appointment of a permanent representative of the Director-General of UNESCO on the issue of Jerusalem,

4. Affirming that nothing in the present decision, which is aimed at the safeguarding of the Cultural Heritage of East 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,

5. Expresses its deep concern over the ongoing Israeli excavations and archaeological works on the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and in the Old City of Jerusalem, which contradict UNESCO decisions and conventions and United Nations and Security Council resolutions;

6. Also expresses its concern about the ongoing Israeli practices in East Jerusalem, that dangerously affect the city’s distinctive character, both religious and cultural, historical and demographical;

7. Reaffirms the religious significance of the Old City of Jerusalem for Muslims, Christians and Jews;

8. Invites the Director-General to appoint, as soon as possible, the permanent and eminent expert(s) to be stationed in East Jerusalem to report on a regular basis about all the aspects covering the architectural, educational, cultural and demographical situation in the City of East Jerusalem;

9. Invites the lsraeli authorities to facilitate the work of the expert(s) in conformity with its adherence to UNESCO decisions and conventions;

10. Invites Member States to provide the necessary assistance to finance the work of the expert(s) from extrabudgetary resources;

11. Thanks the international donors for their generous contributions for the implementation of projects within the framework of the UNESCO Action Plan for the Safeguarding of the Cultural Heritage of the Old City of Jerusalem;

12. Expresses its sincere thanks to the Director-General for her commitment to pursue the efforts for the safeguarding of the unique heritage of the City of Jerusalem, in compliance with the relevant General Conference resolutions and Executive Board decisions;

13. Decides to include this item in the agenda of its 186th session and invites the Director-General to submit a follow-up report on this matter.