Cultural institutions and specialised organisations, archaeologists and heritage specialists, academics, writers, artists and concerned global citizens can sign this call for an immediate action to protect the city of Baalbeck and its archaeological complex, inscribed as a UNESCO world heritage site since 1984.
We, the undersigned—cultural institutions and specialised organisations, archaeologists and heritage specialists, academics, writers, artists and concerned global citizens—demand immediate action from all stakeholders of the Middle East conflict, including states, non-state actors, international organizations, and local communities, to protect the city of Baalbeck and its archaeological complex, inscribed as a UNESCO world heritage site since 1984. Baalbeck looks back on around 10 000 years of settlement history encompassing the bronze age, as well as Canaanite, Hellenistic, Roman and Arabic eras. The site and its vicinities are a large archaeological complex that contains some of the most colossal temples ever built and among the best preserved. Baalbeck’s significance lies not only in its architectural grandeur but also in its testament to the economic, diplomatic and cultural exchanges that shaped the ancient world, making it a symbol of our shared humanity. Lebanon’s cultural heritage at large is being endangered by recurrent assaults on ancient cities such as Baalbeck, Tyre and Anjar, all UNESCO world heritage sites, as well as on other historic landmarks. Cultural heritage is an unfathomed source of knowledge that connects us to our past, inspires our future and enrich the tapestry of humanity. It is our global responsibility to protect it, no matter where it is. Inaction now will continue a legacy of loss that the world witnessed in Palmyre, Mostar, Bamiyan, and other places. For this purpose, we call upon:
- UNESCO and its specialized bodies, in particular the world heritage committee: to fulfil their moral and legal obligations by advocating for a “no-target zone” around these sites, mobilizing international observers, and enforcing measures enacted by the 1954 Hague Convention on cultural heritage and armed conflicts.
- States who have the power to influence belligerent parties: to leverage diplomatic and military influence a) to halt all military actions that causes their destruction or deterioration, b) to establish protection around these sites to prevent theft, vandalism, and degradation, and c) to sanction all acts of hostility directed towards these sites and their surroundings.
- International organizations and multilateral development banks: to prioritize safeguard of these sites in their funding agendas, allocating resources to restore and protect their structures and vicinities, and to fortify their resilience against future threats.
We particularly call upon the men and women of goodwill—archaeologists, heritage specialists, writers, musicians, artists, cultural figures, and key global opinion leaders—to recognize the significance of what is at stake at one of the most emblematic sites in the evolution of humanity. We urge you to raise awareness among all those capable of translating this urgency into action, and to mobilise support to the local communities that live alongside them and strive to preserve their legacy for future generations.Let us safeguard the treasures of our shared humanity today at risk. Let us not shy from raising our voices