Jerusalem and the implementation of 37C/Resolution – UNESCO draft resolution

DRAFT RESOLUTION

Submitted by PALESTINE and QATAR

Jerusalem and the implementation of 37 C/Resolution 44

The General Conference,

Recalling 37 C/Resolution 44, 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 inscription of the Old City of Jerusalem on the World Heritage List and on the List of World Heritage in Danger, and the recommendations, resolutions and decisions of UNESCO on the protection of cultural heritage,

Affirming that nothing in the present resolution, 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,

Having examined document 38 C/16,

Expresses its sincere thanks to the Director-General for her sustained efforts for the safeguarding of the cultural heritage of the Old City of Jerusalem, in compliance with 35 C/Resolution 49 of the General Conference, and reiterates its concern as to the obstacles and practices, unilateral or otherwise, affecting the preservation of the distinctive character of the Old City of Jerusalem;

Thanks international donors for their generous contributions to the UNESCO Action Plan for the Safeguarding of the Cultural Heritage of the Old City of Jerusalem, and calls upon Member States and the international donor community to further support, through

extrabudgetary funding, activities aimed at the safeguarding of the cultural heritage of the Old City of Jerusalem, in particular in the context of the Action Plan;

Expresses its gratitude to the Director-General for the progress made in the implementation of conservation, restoration and training activities in the Old City of Jerusalem, in particular with regard to the development of an architectural heritage conservation institute in partnership with the Welfare Association, thanks to a financial contribution from the European Commission, the successful establishment of the Al-Aqsa Centre for the Restoration of Islamic Manuscripts in al-Ashrafiya Madrasa, and the refurbishment and revitalization of the Islamic Museum of al-Haram ash-Sharif, thanks to the generous financial contribution from Saudi Arabia;

Recognizes the concerns raised about the Israeli archaeological excavations and works in the "Old City and on both sides of the walls" of the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls;

Invites the Director-General to pursue her efforts with the parties concerned for the safeguarding of the outstanding universal value of the Old City of Jerusalem;

Recalls that this item is included in the agenda of the 199th session of the Executive Board,

Invites the Director-General to present to it at its 39th session a progress report on the implementation of the UNESCO Action Plan for the Safeguarding of the Cultural Heritage of the Old City of Jerusalem, and decides to inscribe this item on the agenda of its 39th session.

http://unesdoc.unesco.org/images/0023/002353/235307e.pdf