Ukraine becomes first country to apply UNESCO's "special monitoring" mechanism

This was reported by the Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications, Ukrinform learned.

A powerful explosion in the State Industry Building, which occurred as a result of a Russian attack in the seventh entrance at the third-floor level, caused the collapse of the ceilings on the third and second floors, as well as part of the facade and roof. The blast wave also damaged the structures of other entrances. In accordance with the decision of the Committee of September 7, 2023, the State Industry Building is on the International List of Cultural Properties under Enhanced Protection.

During the first day of the 19th session of the UNESCO Committee for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, its members supported the decision to organize a "special monitoring" mission to the city of Kharkiv. Thus, Ukraine will become the first country where the mechanism will be applied. This will allow to properly document damage to the site, coordinate measures to restore the monument, and collect evidence for further holding Russian war criminals accountable.

Commenting on the decision, the Minister of Culture and Strategic Communications, Mykola Tochytskyi, noted that while Russia continues targeted attacks on cultural heritage sites, disregarding the norms of international humanitarian law, Ukraine is stepping up work on applying UNESCO mechanisms for maximum protection and preservation of cultural property amid war.

The minister expressed confidence that the results of the "special monitoring" mission’s work will help document the destruction and forward conclusions to the International Criminal Court.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, Ukraine will provide the EU with proposals for sanctions against the Russians for the destruction of Ukrainian culture.

Photo: MCSC