The world heritage monuments of Kyiv, as well as the historical center as well as the wider city which includes many other historical monuments, sites and museums, also near administrative and government buildings, are at risk in case of bombing, the International Council of Monuments and Sites Icomos reminds in a statement .
"Any bombing or fighting in such a dense historic cityscape will not only cause more death and suffering to the civilian population, but will also likely cause great irreparable damage to these important cultural properties" highlights Icomos and continues :
“As an international NGO in the field of cultural heritage and an advisory body to the World Heritage Convention, ICOMOS recalls that Kyiv has an important historical center – the jewels of which are the Saint Sophia Cathedral and related monastic buildings and the monastic complex of the Kiev-Pechersk Lavra with the Church of the Savior in Berestovo – all inscribed as a heritage of humanity under the 1972 World Heritage Convention.
ICOMOS insists again on recalling the protection afforded to cultural heritage by international humanitarian law and in particular the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its Protocols, as well as formal commitments which States Parties undertake in the international community when they sign the 1972 World Heritage Convention" the announcement concludes.
The announcement of the International Confederation of Film Archives
At the same time, the Board of Directors of the Film Library of Greece publishes and shares the announcement of the Executive Committee of the FIAF (International Confederation of Film Archives) - of which it is a regular member - regarding the situation in Ukraine.
FIAF's statement on the situation in Ukraine reads:"The Executive Committee of the Federation of International Film Archives (FIAF) expresses its deep concern for the fate of its colleagues at the Oleksandar Dovzhenko Center in Kyiv, their families and friends them, but also for the security of the Center's unique collections and facilities, in light of the dramatic developments in Ukraine.
Institutions such as the Oleksandar Dovzhenko National Center (corresponding member of the Federation since 2003) can fulfill their mission, that is to collect, preserve and display their rich film heritage, according to high international standards, provided that they operate in a stable and peaceful environment.
The International Confederation of Film Archives has, since its foundation 84 years ago, practiced strict political neutrality, yet it has always condemned the devastating effects of armed conflict on cultural institutions, such as the 171 archives in our network. Like UNESCO, with which FIAF has institutionally collaborated for many years, the Confederation cultivates a culture of peace, taking it for granted that the protection of cultural heritage, especially in times of armed conflict, is a prerequisite for sustainable strategies to build a more peaceful and safe world.
On behalf of our international community of film archives, the FIAF Executive Committee wishes to assure colleagues in Kyiv, at this very difficult time, of our solidarity with them and their Agency. He promises to closely monitor the situation and do everything possible to support and help our member from Ukraine".
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