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THE UNITED NATIONS EDUCATION, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANISATION (UNESCO) TOPIC A: PROTECTION OF CULTURAL SITES IN CONFLICT ZONES prepared by Antoine Lemonnier TOPIC B: IMPROVING WATER SECURITY IN RESPONSE TO LOCAL, REGIONAL AND GLOBAL CHALLENGES prepared by Evangjelia Sali 1 TABLE OF CONTENTS THE...

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THE UNITED NATIONS EDUCATION, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANISATION (UNESCO)

TOPIC A: PROTECTION OF CULTURAL SITES IN CONFLICT ZONES prepared by Antoine Lemonnier

TOPIC B: IMPROVING WATER SECURITY IN RESPONSE TO LOCAL, REGIONAL AND GLOBAL CHALLENGES prepared by Evangjelia Sali

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TABLE OF CONTENTS THE UNITED NATIONS EDUCATION, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANISATION (UNESCO) ................ 3 TOPIC A: PROTECTION OF CULTURAL SITES IN CONFLICT ZONES ........................................................... 4 INTRODUCTION ....................................................................................................................................... 4 THE MANDATE OF UNESCO WITH REGARD TO THE PROTECTION OF CULTURAL SITES ........................ 5 LATEST THREATS: THE ISLAMIC STATE’S ACTIONS AGAINST CULTURAL SITES ....................................... 5 RELATED INSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK .............................................................................. 6 CONVENTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF CULTURAL PROPERTY IN THE EVENT OF ARMED CONFLICT ............................................................................................................................................................. 7 INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL ON MONUMENTS AND SITES (ICOMOS) .................................................. 7 INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR THE STUDY OF THE PRESERVATION OF CULTURAL PROPERTY (ICCROM) ............................................................................................................................................. 7 INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES (IUCN) ....... 8 INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE BLUE SHIELD (ICBS) ................................................................ 8 QUESTION A RESOLUTION SHOULD ANSWER ......................................................................................... 8 BIBLIOGRAPHY AND RECOMMENDED READINGS ................................................................................... 9 TOPIC B: IMPROVING WATER SECURITY IN RESPONSE TO LOCAL, REGIONAL AND GLOBAL CHALLENGES .......................................................................................................................................... 11 INTRODUCTION ..................................................................................................................................... 11 RELEVANCE OF THE ISSUE AND POSSIBLE CHALLENGES ....................................................................... 12 THE CURRENT SITUATION ..................................................................................................................... 13 THE POLITICS OF WATER – CHALLENGES AND COOPERATION ............................................................. 15 QUESTIONS A RESOLUTION SHOULD ANSWER ..................................................................................... 17 BIBIOGRAPHY AND FURTHER READINGS............................................................................................... 17

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THE UNITED NATIONS EDUCATION, SCIENTIFIC AND CULTURAL ORGANISATION (UNESCO) The United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) was founded in 1945 and headquartered in Paris. Otherwise known as the “intellectual” agency of the UN, UNESCO was created due to a firm belief of member states that political and economic agreements were not enough to force a lasting peace between member states in a world which had been ravaged by two world wars in a generation. In order to achieve a lasting peace between member states, peace must be established on intellectuality and moral solidarity1. As early as 1942, the governments of many European countries which were confronting Nazi Germany and its allies, met in the United Kingdom for the Conference of Allied Ministers of Education (CAME). Even though World War Two was far from over, this conference was held in order to reconstruct educational systems after peace was restored. After the end of World War Two, a United Nations Conference for the establishment of an educational and cultural organization (ECO/CONF) was convened in London from 1 to 16 November 1945. This conference gathered the representatives of 44 member states to create an organization that would embody a genuine culture of peace. In their eyes, the new organization must establish the “intellectual and moral solidarity of mankind” and, in so doing, prevent the outbreak of another world war. At the end of the conference, 37 member states founded UNESCO by signing the Constitution of UNESCO2. UNESCO has strived to build networks amongst member states via improving education, aiding intercultural understanding, pursuing scientific cooperation and protecting freedom of expression. As such, UNESCO’s holistic message has never been more important than today. UNESCO creates policies which aim to address the social, environmental and economic dimensions of sustainable development.

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UNESCO (2016) “Introducing UNESCO”, Available at: http://en.unesco.org/aboutus/

introducing-unesco UNESCO (2016) “The Organization’s History”, Available at: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/unesco/aboutus/who-we-are/history/,

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TOPIC A: PROTECTION OF CULTURAL SITES IN CONFLICT ZONES INTRODUCTION The issue of the protection of cultural heritage in armed conflict is undeniably a crucial one humanity is facing these days. Due to conflicts taking place in multiple regions in the world, there have been questions relating to the effectiveness of the existing United Nations framework in this regard. Whereas it has been true that these sites are often collaterally damaged and do not themselves constitute targets, however latest examples including that of the Islamic State partly destroying the Syrian heritage of Palmyra, do raise serious concerns . It is in this vein that international actors should come together and highlight the importance of safeguarding the cultural heritage of mankind. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was established in 1946 to promote peace through collaboration in the fields of education, science and culture. UNESCO’s Constitution declares its purpose, which is3 “to contribute to peace and security by promoting collaboration among nations through education, science and culture in order to further universal respect for justice, for the rule of law and for the human rights and fundamental freedoms which are affirmed for the peoples of the world, without distinction of race, sex, language or religion, by the Charter of the United Nations.” UNESCO, as the United Nations agency with a mandate for the protection of cultural property, can play a pivotal part on the adoption of measures with a view to protecting cultural heritage and develop a more comprehensive approach in the fight against its destruction.

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UNESCO, Constitution, 1945, Article I, Paragraph 1

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THE MANDATE OF UNESCO WITH REGARD TO THE PROTECTION OF CULTURAL SITES The mandate for UNESCO is formally defined in Article 1, paragraph 3 of the Charter of the United Nations4, and Article 1 of the UNESCO Constitution5. UNESCO is charged with promoting collaboration among Member States in the fields of education, science, and culture in order to develop and maintain peace, rule of law, and mutual respect among the states. Additionally, UNESCO is responsible for coordinating and supporting the development of knowledge and culture for “economic stability, political security, and general well-being of the peoples of the world.” In accordance with this mandate, UNESCO works directly with Member States, United Nations organs, intergovernmental organizations (IGOs), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to support peace through the collaborative exchange of knowledge, culture, and sustainable development strategies. Finally, UNESCO plays a major role in coordinating international conventions and setting standards on topics of education, culture, and science.

LATEST THREATS: THE ISLAMIC STATE’S ACTIONS AGAINST CULTURAL SITES “I condemn in the strongest possible manner the destruction of the archaeological site of

Nimrud site in Iraq. This is yet another attack against the Iraqi people, reminding us

that

nothing is safe from the cultural cleansing underway in the country: it targets human

lives, minorities, and is marked by the systematic destruction of humanity’s ancient heritage.”6 UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova

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United Nations, Charter of the United Nations, 1945, Article I, Paragraph 3

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UNESCO, Constitution, 1945, Article I, Paragraph 1

Williams, Sue. “UNESCO Director General Condemns Destruction of Nimrud in Iraq.” UNESCO. United Nations, 6 Mar. 2015. Web. 4 June 2016. 6

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Since 2014 deliberate destruction and theft of cultural heritage has been conducted by the Islamic State in the Republic of Iraq and in the Syrian Arab Republic. ISIS justifies the destruction of cultural heritage sites with its extreme following the Salafism. The Islamic State has said that the historical objects and sites it destroyed were heresy to its ideology, which is rooted in Wahhabism. Beyond the ideological aspects of the destruction, there are other, more practical, reasons behind the Islamic State’s destruction of historic sites. Grabbing the world’s attention is easily done through the destruction of such sites, particularly given the extensive media coverage and international condemnation that comes afterwards. For example, in Palmyra, the group blew up two historic tombs, one of a Shiite saint and another of a Sufi scholar, because it considers them to be forms of idolatry. In March 2015, the Islamic State released videos showing its militants shooting at and bulldozing Hatra and Nimrud, ancient sites in northern Iraq. The dramatic footage gained significant media attention, allowing the group to extend its message widely and potentially expand its recruiting. Eleanor Robson, a professor of ancient Middle Eastern history at University College London, wrote, however, that contrary to the common perception generated by the episodes, it was “far from the total destruction” that has been reported7.

RELATED INSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK The World Heritage Committee of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization is responsible for the management of the world heritage sites of humanity, which are composed of cultural and natural heritages. It awards places with the title of a world heritage site after they have been nominated by the state in which they are located in and after the proof of the significance of their uniqueness, authenticity and integrity to the international community has been provided. The importance of the title is ratified in the World Heritage Convention of 1972. As of 2014, UNESCO reports 1,007 monuments in over 161 countries on their list. 44 of those are on the List of World Heritage in Danger8. Inclusion into this list means that preparation

Almukhtar, Sarah. “The Strategy Behind the Islamic State’s Destruction of Ancient Sites.” The New York Times. The New York Times, 28 June 2015. Web. 04 June 2016.

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UNESCO, List of World Heritage in Danger, December 2014.

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of the specific measure to restore the values which had originally led to its inclusion on the World Heritage List is required.

CONVENTION FOR THE PROTECTION OF CULTURAL PROPERTY IN THE EVENT OF ARMED CONFLICT

Following the signature of the Roerich Pact by the American States in 1935, attempts were undertaken to draft a more comprehensive convention for the protection of monuments and works of art in time of war. The General Conference of UNESCO in 1951 decided to convene a committee of government experts to draft a convention. This committee met in 1952 and thereafter submitted its drafts to the General Conference. The revised drafts were then transmitted to governments for advice. The intergovernmental Conference which drew up and adopted the Convention and the further Acts took place at The Hague from April 21st to May 14th, 1954. 56 States were represented.

INTERNATIONAL COUNCIL ON MONUMENTS AND SITES (ICOMOS)

The International Council on Monuments and Sites was founded in 1965 and is committed to the protection and maintenance of monuments and the preservation of historical heritage. It is a sub-organization of UNESCO and the only non-governmental organisation in this field of expertise. About 95 states collaborate with ICOMOS and is the first of the three expert bodies advising the World Heritage Committee.

INTERNATIONAL CENTRE FOR THE STUDY OF THE PRESERVATION OF CULTURAL PROPERTY (ICCROM)

The International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property was founded three years after its establishment was approved by the UNESCO. It has 110 Member States and several associate members. The ICCROM has cooperated closely with UNESCO and worked on various projects supporting the aim of preservation and restoration of cultural heritage sites of Member States. ICCROM is the second expert body advising the World Heritage Committee.

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INTERNATIONAL UNION FOR CONSERVATION OF NATURE AND NATURAL RESOURCES (IUCN)

The International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources was founded in 1948, it is best known for its IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and categorizes reserves within the World Commission on Protected Areas. Its goal is the sensitisation of humanity for the protection of nature and the promotion of the sustainable use of resources. IUCN is the third expert body advising the World Heritage Committee.

INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE OF THE BLUE SHIELD (ICBS)

The International Committee of the Blue Shield was founded in 1954. It aims is the improvement of protection of cultural property from the effects of war, armed conflicts and disasters. Major tasks are the support of international cooperation as well as local and regional activities in cultural heritage protection. The ICBS intervenes as an advisor and cooperates with other bodies including UNESCO, the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property and the International Committee of the Red Cross.

QUESTION A RESOLUTION SHOULD ANSWER -

Why do cultural sites happen to become targets in conflict zones?

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Has the response to the issue been appropriate so far? The assessment of past actions taken by the agency in the field of preserving cultural heritage.

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Does the Committee for the Protection of Cultural Property need to be further reinforced? If not, is there a more relevant Committee existing or to be created?

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What can be done to better protect cultural sites that are located in an area of high risk of breakout of a military conflict?

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Is it possible to for other States to intervene on territory of another State to protect its cultural heritage but without the latter’s consent?

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BIBLIOGRAPHY AND RECOMMENDED READINGS United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Comprehensive Partnership Strategy (192 EX/5.INF), 2013.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, 2014-2021: Medium-Term Strategy (37 C/4), Fall 2014. Web. 05 June 2016.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Strategic Action Plan for the Implementation of the World Heritage Convention 2012 -2022 (WHC-11/18.GA/11), 1 August 2011

New Zealand, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, United Nations Handbook 2015-16, January 2016. Print.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, UNESCO at a glance (ERI/2010/WS/2), 2010. Print.

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, Executive Board. 194th session, Executive Decisions (194/ex decisions), 19 August 2014. Web. 05 June 2016.

United

Nations

Educational,

Scientific

and

Cultural

Organization,

Final

report

of the Resolutions adopted during the 19th session of the General Assembly of States Parties to the World Heritage Convention (WHC-13/19. GA/12), 26 November 2013

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, General Conference, 37th Session, Records of the General Conference (Volume I), 2014. Print. “Nimrud: Outcry as IS Bulldozers Attack Ancient Iraq Site.” BBC News. British Broadcasting Corporation, 6 Mar. 2015. Web. 05 June 2016.

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Rosenfield, Karissa. “Harvard and Oxford Take On ISIS with Digital Preservation Campaign.” ArchDaily. N.p., 1 Sept. 2015. Web. 5 June 2016. “Threats to Cultural Heritage in Iraq and Syria.” U.S. Department of State. Government of the United

States

of

America,

23

Sept.

2014.

Web.

05

June

2016.

Nichols, Michelle. “U.N. Security Council Ups Pressure on Islamic State Financing.” Reuters U.K. Reuters, 12 Feb. 2015. Web. 5 June 2016.

USEFUL WEBSITES

The official UNESCO website: http://en.unesco.org/

UNESCO, World Heritage List: http://whc.unesco.org/en/list

UNESCO, World Heritage Convention: http://whc.unesco.org/en/convention/

UNESCO, Armed Conflict and Heritage: http://www.unesco.org/new/en/culture/themes/armed-conflict-and-heritage/

International Committee of the Red Cross, Cultural Property: https://www.icrc.org/en/war-andlaw/conduct-hostilities/cultural-property:

International Council of Museums: International Committee of the Blue Shield: http://icom.museum/programmes/museums-emergency-programme/international-committeeof-the-blue-shield/

International Committee of the Blue Shield: http://www.ancbs.org/cms/en/about-us/about-icbs Global Policy Forum, Destruction of Cultural Heritage: https://www.globalpolicy.org/humanitarian-issues-in-iraq/consequences-of-the-war-andoccupation-of-iraq/destruction-of-iraqs-cultural-heritage.html

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TOPIC B: IMPROVING WATER SECURITY IN RESPONSE TO LOCAL, REGIONAL AND GLOBAL CHALLENGES INTRODUCTION "Fierce national competition over water resources has prompted fears that water issues contain the seeds of violent conflict. If all the world's peoples work together, a secure and sustainable water future can be ours."9

Kofi Annan - Former UN Secretary-General

Water is a vital resource without substitutes. It is indispensable for all beings, affecting all aspects of human activities. Water is a crucial component in a multitude of sectors, ranging from health and agriculture to industry, private use and electricity generation. However, it is a resource in scarcity, as, while the demand for it increases with economic development and population growth, fresh water availability is decreasing in many parts of the world, thus raising distribution questions. It is deemed that the distribution of water will play a central role in determining how this changing supply and demand dynamic may impact on security and wellbeing. The centrality and significance of water distribution is more accentuated in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central and South Asia, mainly by virtue of its nature in many Middle East states; where the availability of fresh water is not sufficient to meet the skyrocketing needs, as they are exacerbated by an ever-growing population and constantly-expanding urbanisation. The accelerated decrease of water sources readily available, due to exponential use of water for irrigation, increas...