Download PDF Version AC Press Release 2015-3-11
Washington, DC, March 6, 2015 ———
Every person on the planet should pause after yesterday’s violent attack on humanity’s heritage and understand ISIS’ intent not only to control the future of humankind but also to erase and rewrite our past.
We must unite with global intention to preserve our common heritage and resist ISIS’ effort to steal not only our future freedom but also our history, the very roots of our civilization. We need civilizing forces now more than ever and must take steps to protect our priceless historical sites and constrict the terrorists’ ability to profit from sale of plundered relics.
We believe the following steps are key:
–encourage all nations to expeditiously implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 2199 passed on February 12, 2015 that prohibits trade in cultural property from Iraq and Syria. (The resolution, passed with full U.S. support, directs that action be taken within 120 days.) Given that the American market is one of the largest, the U.S. can help lead the way by quickly closing our borders to illicit trafficking in conflict antiquities.
— end impunity for these crimes against heritage which are documented risk factors of impending genocide, crimes against humanity and crimes of war. The International Criminal Court must immediately open an investigation into these severe violations of international law. UNESCO and other organizations have also called upon the ICC to take action.
Resources:
Fact Sheet on UN Security Council Resolution 2199
http://usun.state.gov/briefing/statements/237432.htm
Letter to the International Criminal Court
Read Our Letter Urging the ICC Prosecutor to Open an Investigation into ISIS War Crimes
About The Antiquities Coalition
The Antiquities Coalition unites a diverse group of experts in the fight against cultural racketeering: the looting and trafficking of antiquities by organized criminals and terrorist organizations. This plunder for profit is funding crime and conflict around the world — and the decimation is erasing our past, and worse, threatening our future. The Coalition’s innovative and practical solutions tackle crimes against heritage head on, empowering communities and even countries in crisis.
CONTACT:
KATIE HOOPER
katie.hooper@wardcirclestrategies.com
Download PDF Version AC Press Release 2015-3-6
ISIL bulldozes ancient city of Nimrud in Iraq (photo credit: Al Arabiya)
ISIL destroy artifacts with sledgehammers at Mosul museum (photo credit: i09)
