A high-level delegation from Palestine will be participating in the 46th Intergovernmental Committee for the protection of the world cultural and natural heritage, organised by UNESCO. This important event is scheduled to take place from July 21 to July 31 at the Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition and Convention Center (IECC) in New Delhi.
Dr. Abed Elrazeg Abu Jazer, the charge d'affaires and Media Advisor of the Embassy of Palestine in New Delhi, made the announcement regarding the Palestinian delegation’s attendance. This committee meeting serves as a crucial platform for discussing and making decisions related to the preservation of world heritage sites.
The Palestinian delegation aims to advocate for the inclusion of the Tell Umm Amer site, also known as the Monastery of St. Hilarion, located in the Gaza Strip, on the World Heritage in Danger list.
This site holds significant historical and cultural value, and the Palestinians are seeking support from the 21 member states of the World Heritage Committee to protect it from ongoing threats.
Dr. Jazer highlighted that India’s support in this matter would be highly valued. It reflects India’s commitment to helping enhance the capabilities of Palestinians in safeguarding their heritage and historical sites.
The Palestinian request is not just about preservation but also about acknowledging the challenges faced due to the destruction of cultural and archaeological sites amidst the ongoing conflict.
The statement from the Palestinian delegation underscored the critical need to protect these heritage sites, which are currently under threat due to the Israeli occupation forces.
The devastation caused by the recent conflict in the Gaza Strip has led to significant damage to cultural buildings and archaeological sites. As a result, the Palestinian authorities are calling for urgent and comprehensive measures to ensure the preservation of these important sites.
Furthermore, Palestine has requested that India condemn the deliberate targeting of these heritage sites and the access roads leading to them. The delegation is emphasising the importance of maintaining the integrity of these sites against ongoing threats, whether they are natural or man-made. This advocacy is crucial for preserving the cultural and historical diversity that contributes to the world’s heritage.
The Palestinian delegation to the UNESCO meeting will include several prominent figures. Among them are H.E. Monir Anastas, Ambassador of Palestine to UNESCO; H.E. Adnan Abu Al-Hayjaa, Ambassador of Palestine to India; Dr. Abed Elrazeg Abu Jazer, who serves as the political and media counsellor; Ahmed Rajoub, Director General of Heritage at the Palestinian Ministry of Tourism in Ramallah; and Hanan Najjajrah, also from the Ministry of Tourism in Ramallah.
This delegation’s participation in the UNESCO committee meeting highlights Palestine’s dedication to preserving its cultural heritage and underscores the international community’s role in supporting these efforts. As the world gathers in New Delhi, the focus will be on how best to protect and promote the heritage that defines our shared human history.
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