The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has expressed its deep concern following reports of “possible looting and damage of several museums and heritage institutions in #Sudan by armed groups”.
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| UNESCO calls on international community to help protect Sudan’s heritage from destruction and illicit trafficking |
The Organization called on the international community to help protect Sudan’s heritage from destruction and illicit trafficking.
According to unesco.org:
Since the start of the hostilities in April 2023, UNESCO has been closely monitoring the impact of this crisis on Sudan’s heritage, cultural institutions and artists. In recent weeks, this threat to culture appears to have reached an unprecedented level, with reports of looting of museums, heritage and archaeological sites and private collections.
UNESCO recalls the obligations of all parties to comply with international humanitarian law by refraining from damaging, looting or using cultural property for military purpose. The Organization is particularly concerned by reports of looting at the National Museum of Sudan, which restoration has been coordinated by UNESCO with Italy’s funding since 2019. It contains important historical pieces of antiques, statues and archaeological collections of high historical and material value.
Several other important collections, bearing testimony of Sudan’s significant history, were reported stolen from the Khalifa House Museum and Nyala Museum. The Organization is cross-checking these reports to determine the extent of the damage.
UNESCO reiterates its call upon the public and the art market involved in the trade of cultural property in the region and worldwide to refrain from acquiring or taking part in the import, export or transfer of ownership of cultural property from Sudan. Any illegal sale or displacement of these cultural items would result in the disappearance of part of the Sudanese cultural identity and jeopardize the country’s recovery.
