UNESCO General Conference – Jerusalem – Resolutions (excerpts)

RECORDS OF THE GENERAL CONFERENCE

TWENTY-THIRD SESSIONS

SOFIA, 8 OCTOBER TO 9 NOVEMBER 1985

Volume 1

RESOLUTIONS

…

11.3 Jerusalem and the implementation of 22C/Resolution 11.8

The General Conference,

Recalling the provisions of the Constitution of UNESCO relating to the conservation and protection of and respect for the natural heritage and cultural property, especially property of outstanding universal value,

Recalling the Hague Convention and Protocol of 1954 concerning the protection of cultural property in the event of armed conflict,

Recalling that the conventions, recommendations and resolutions that have been adopted by the international community on behalf of the natural heritage and cultural property demonstrate the importance for humanity of safeguarding such property,

Considering that it is of importance to the entire international community that the natural and cultural heritage should be protected,

Considering the unique role of the city of Jerusalem in the history of humanity as a holy city for the three monotheistic religions that share the same philosophical, ethical and religious values, which are fundamental for more than 2,000 million people in all the continents of the world,

Considering that the entire city and its heritage of monuments bear living witness to this exceptional role,

Considering that it is the eternal vocation of Jerusalem to promote peace and understanding among men, in accordance with the message that was delivered there,

Recalls that it is for that reason that the city of Jerusalem has been recognized as of universal importance by being included in the World Heritage List;

2. Recalls that the Israeli military occupation and the present status of the city entail dangers for the safeguarding of its essential vocation;

3. Recalls and reaffirms the previous resolutions adopted by the General Conference, which seek to ensure the safeguarding of all the spiritual, cultural, historical and other values of the holy city;

4. Deplores the fact that assaults and attempted assaults have been perpetrated on the holy places of Islam, which constitutes a grave derogation from the ecumenical vocation of the city;

5. Deplores the fact that works carried out in the old holy city have imperilled important historical monuments, which embody the cultural identity of the indigenous population;

6. Recommends that all Member States combine their efforts to ensure the total and effective safe-guarding of the occupied holy city and the preservation and restoration of the historical monuments of the city and its universal heritage belonging to all religions;

7. Draws the attention of the international community more particularly to the state of degradation of a large part of the Islamic cultural and religious heritage and urges Member States to support the efforts of the Waqf, owner of this heritage, by making voluntary contribution to the financing of safeguarding operations;

8. Thanks the Director-General for everything he has done in this context and requests him to assist by appropriate means in implementing this resolution, in accordance with the conclusions of Professor Lemaire's report set out in document 23C/15;

9. Decides to include this question in the agenda of the twenty-fourth session of the General Conference, with a view to taking such decisions as may be required by the situation obtaining at that time.

…