Statement upon the news of the destruction of historical and cultural heritage in Ukraine

Statement by ICOM Sweden upon the news of the destruction of historical and cultural heritage in Ukraine by the Russian military forces. ICOM works for the protection of cultural heritage for present and future generations.

ICOM Sweden condemns the Russian invasion of Ukraine and strongly urges Russia to respect the 1954 Hague Convention, the UNESCO:s Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, that Russia has ratified and is committed to follow.

”ICOM Sweden wants to acknowledge museum staff, directors and museum authorities in Ukraine, who in fear of their own lives as well as the lives of their family and community members, are taking heritage protective actions to safeguard cultural heritage and museum collections for future generations,” says Medea Ekner, chair of ICOM Sweden.

ICOM Sweden urges Russia to stop exposing human life and cultural heritage to danger, death and destruction. As articulated in the ICOM code of Ethics: ”Museums preserve, interpret and promote the natural and cultural inheritance of humanity.” They should mot be seen as targets of destruction in war and conflict. Destruction and loss of lives have tangible and irreversible impact on people and our history.

ICOM Sweden
2022-03-01