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UAE takes lead with global heritage fund

Over the years, they have dynamited centuries-old buildings and done irreparable damage to some of the most prized monuments, turning historical legacies into rubbles. The United Nations describes such deliberate cultural destruction as "war crime."

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Published: Sat 3 Dec 2016, 6:00 PM

Last updated: Sat 3 Dec 2016, 8:25 PM

When cultural heritage is attacked, whether it is Mes Aynak in Afghanistan or the 1,900-year-old Temple of Baalshamin in Syria, it is a collective loss for humanity. Monuments like these have outstanding universal value that transcends relevance across countries and cultures. The archaeological site in the UAE, for instance, is recognised by Unesco as one of the oldest cradles of humanity in the world. It is a source of pride for the emirates, and an opportunity for the world to study. Such sites are not just stones or buildings; these are a window to our past, and roots that give us an identity. However, sadly this is not how all factions of society see it. For certain violent and irrational sections, culture is exclusive and narrowly defined. Over the years, they have dynamited centuries-old buildings and done irreparable damage to some of the most prized monuments, turning historical legacies into rubbles. The United Nations describes such deliberate cultural destruction as "war crime."
In this light, it is heartening to see more than 40 nations coming together and pledging a $100-million fund to protect, rebuild, and restore historical monuments of importance across the world. The decision taken at the International Conference for Safeguarding of Cultural Heritage in Abu Dhabi is for good and sends a strong message to groups like the Daesh who have freely given "looting permits" and wrecked several colonnaded avenues and impressive temples. Over the last couple of years, the group has hit the soul of societies and destroyed cultures, depriving everyone of us of the memory banks and plundering the social and economic aspects of such monuments. Unesco director-general has rightly said: "Culture stands on the frontline of conflicts, deliberately targeted to fuel hatred and block reconciliation. This is why we must start seeing cultural heritage as an international security issue. The question is how do we stand up for it." This is how we stand, and this is how we will make a difference, for us and for posterity.