Protection Of Cultural Property Research Articles

Enhancing Networking and Linking Communities for the Conservation Practices of Natural History Collections

The 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake revealed that one of the reasons for the lack of effective and timely action to rescue and restore natural history collections is that the organizational laws and policies are insufficient and inapplicable under extreme circumstances. Laws and policies for collections are primarily concerned with designation and registration, preservation and management, financial assistance, government involvement and public awareness. The Cultural Property Protection System and the Act on Cultural Properties Preservation prioritized the rescue and restoration of cultural assets, both nationally and regionally, however, attention to the state of natural history collections was delayed and was primarily fueled by volunteers (Mawatari 2015). Earlier in the Meiji era (1868~1912), national emphasis on cultural assets, represented by Japanese art, contributed to the formation and spread of nationalism (Kanayama 2011). Consequently, the laws and policies in question were enacted, focusing on attaching importance to and preservervation of cultural assets. After a few attempts at national discussion on whether science specimens (in natural history collections) should be covered by the law, the problem remain unsolved. In the few cases, where natural history collections were designated by the law, the focus tended to be centered on the value to humanity. It is clear from the laws and policies that decision-makers lack an understanding of the importance of natural history collections. Further narrowing down the scope, operational rules and regulations are often based on the handling and practices of cultural history objects within the public museums, and descriptions of natural history collections are lacking in many practice guidelines for museums and textbooks on museum studies. Other than the need for better law and policy, the 2011 disaster has also left curators of natural history collections with a renewed sense of the importance of establishing theories on conservation science and other practice standards for natural history collections through networking and cooperation, not only under extreme circumstances but also for daily management and practical utility. However, the current lack of curators with expertise in natural history collections, the few chances to participate in skill-share programs, and insufficient financial and official support for pioneering research, remain challenging. To address this, it may be possible to propose methodologies and gather individuals with similar interests to deepen the debate on the importance of research and establishment of standards to give curators more chances, support and recognition to carry on conservation science research. Therefore, increasing connections within the natural history museum community is a feasible step to take in the near term. There are some actions in progress such as cross-museum collaboration to establish research projects and the skill-share projects organized by the Natural History Museum Network of Western Japan. What about the non-natural history museums and natural history collections with few or without specialized curators? The natural history curator community in Japan is small. In 2020, there were 228 museums in Japan holding biological specimens (geological and paleontology specimens were not counted in the research), fewer than half of which were assigned to natural history curators. In the natural history museums, the average number of natural history curators was 2.49; that of science museums, history museums and regional museums was less than 1, indicating that the natural history curator community is a minority in the museum sector of Japan (Fig. 1, Japanese Association of Museums 1986). Even those where there were assignments of natural history curators, the curators' specialized field may not be a perfect match with the collections, ending up with cases such as a curator of entomology having to take care of botanical specimens. In some regions, in 2020, there were only one or two natural history curators, indicating the unevenness in curator assignments across regions of Japan (Fig. 2, Japanese Association of Museums 1986). This makes it even harder to find other curators who can help when encountering problems beyond one’s expertise. All of this underlines the importance of creating a strong national network of natural history museum curators to share experiences, expertise, methodologies, and standards of care.

International legal protection of cultural heritage during armed conflicts: History of formation and modern mechanisms (To the 70th anniversary of the 1954 convention for the protection of cultural property in the event of armed conflict)

International legal protection of cultural heritage during armed conflicts: History of formation and modern mechanisms (To the 70th anniversary of the 1954 convention for the protection of cultural property in the event of armed conflict)

Cultural Property Protection in Private International Law

The armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine has brought the issue of protecting cultural property to the forefront. Numerous documented cases of illegal exports of cultural property from Ukrainian museums located in territories occupied by the aggressor country have emerged. In addition, little is known about the number of stolen objects from private collections, which are considered cultural artifacts. There are no statistics available on this matter. This paper aims to explore the problem of applicable law during the consideration of disputes regarding the protection of cultural property. The author examines the concept of cultural property restitution in private international law and different approaches and concepts for defining "restitution" and "return" of cultural values. It has been argued that the term “return of cultural property” should encompass a wider scope, including both the restitution of illegally exported cultural property and the return of cultural property that was legally in the possession of another state but was later repatriated to the original state as a gesture of goodwill. The author offers his definitions of these terms based on theoretical research, as well as an analysis of the domestic legislation of Ukraine and the UNIDROIT Convention on Stolen or Illegally Exported Cultural Property of June 24, 1995. The paper also delves into the issues of conflict regulation of disputes involving cultural values. Both the issues of determining the right of ownership to and the problems associated with the protection of the right of ownership of cultural property in private international law are considered. The point of view that the conflict of laws rule lex originis (the law of the country from whose territory the cultural property was exported) should be applied in disputes regarding the return of cultural property from someone else's illegal possession is supported. The author concludes, based on a comparative analysis of laws on private international law, about the most appropriate mechanism for protecting the property rights of a bona fide purchaser in disputes over cultural property.

On the Protection of Cultural Property in UNESCO’s Activities in the Context of Modern Armed Conflicts

Currently, UNESCO’s activities to protect cultural heritage acquire special meaning. The international legal aspects of UNESCO’s activities for the protection and protection of cultural heritage in the context of modern armed conflicts are examined. Examples of objects that are recognized as being in danger are given.

Protection of Natural Environment and Cultural Property during Armed Conflict: An International Humanitarian Law Perspective

With the evolution and development of jus in bello, conflicts of both internal and international character have given due consideration to limit human casualties and minimize suffering. Post-World War trials in Nuremberg and Tokyo played a crucial role in influencing modern International Criminal Law. The international community soon realized the necessity to draft various international legal documents and establish the International Criminal Court to prosecute individuals for various categories of crimes including War Crimes. Article 8 of the Rome Statute has classified acts of destruction of the natural environment and cultural property within the ambit of the definition of War Crime. However, with a higher threshold required to prove the crime of destruction of the natural environment and a human rights approach taken in cases of destruction of cultural property, both areas seem to need much exploration and research. This paper scrutinizes the development of laws of war and dives deep into the jurisprudence laid down in various decisions of the ICC to protect these civilian objects during armed conflict. It further elucidates the lacunas in the law and explains how they may lose their protection guaranteed by humanitarian law and can be the target of attack if these civilian objects are used to achieve a military advantage. Based on the elucidation of various primary sources like legislations and case laws along with secondary sources like legal textbooks and commentaries, law review articles, and legal encyclopedias, the paper generated is descriptive with a slight element of critical analysis of the international legal framework.

Preservation of Cultural Sites and Artifacts During Wartimes

ABSTRACT This article is an overview of some of the foreign policies implemented regarding cultural heritage protection during wartimes, with specific focus on the Gulf Wars in Iraq and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. This article follows historical examples prior and post-World War II, noting pertinent international laws such as the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict. The author also highlights current technological advances that are being implemented to help survey and better understand the destruction of cultural sites. This article argues for an increased focus on cultural heritage protection and preemptive measures that should be put in place by cultural institutions to protect their heritage. Information professionals are stewards of cultural heritage and part of their mission should be disaster-preparedness to best preserve artifacts and heritage sites.

Genesis of the development of liability for encroachment on archaeological heritage sites: the Soviet period (1917–1991)

The article is devoted to the study of the Soviet period of development of liability for encroachment on archaeological heritage sites. The main legal acts inherent in this period are identified.
 Having studied the peculiarities of the Soviet period, the author establishes that during the existence of the Soviet State the regulation of liability for trespass to cultural property, cultural and archaeological heritage has undergone significant changes, and as a result, this period can be divided into two stages.
 The first stage is characterized by the fact that cultural property ceases to be the subject of special protection, being the subject of a crime, it is subject to protection by criminal law in the general order, if it falls under their scope. The legislative field is dominated by contradictory, ideologically aligned legal acts. Thus, the Criminal Code of the Ukrainian SSR of 1922 was characterized by weak legal protection of cultural property. In addition, the lack of regulation of other types of encroachments on cultural property, such as theft, destruction or damage, etc. was a gap in the criminal legislation of the Ukrainian SSR. The subsequent Criminal Code of the Ukrainian SSR of 1927 contained only one provision protecting historical and cultural monuments from criminal attacks. It established liability for concealing collections and monuments of antiquity and art subject to registration, accounting, or transfer to state storage facilities.
 At the second stage (from the mid-1940s), the state and society gradually realized the public danger of encroachments on cultural property. Legislation was updated, and responsibility for the destruction or damage of historical and cultural monuments was introduced and gradually increased. The Criminal Code of the Ukrainian SSR of 1960, on the one hand, abolished such a crime as concealment of collections and monuments of antiquity and art and archival materials subject to registration, accounting or transfer to state repositories, and on the other hand, introduced liability for the destruction or damage of cultural monuments. In 1983, the range of objects that could be encroached upon under Article 207 of the Criminal Code of the Ukrainian SSR was expanded. In 1991, the Law of the USSR «On Criminal and Administrative Liability for Violation of Legislation on the Protection and Use of Historical and Cultural Monuments» was adopted, which established criminal liability for the following criminal acts: intentional destruction, destruction or damage to historical and cultural monuments (para. 1, Art. 1; intentional destruction, destruction or damage to historical and cultural monuments committed repeatedly or causing grave consequences (para. 2, Art. 1); desecration of a historical and cultural monument committed with exceptional cynicism (Art. 3); desecration of a historical and cultural monument without the signs provided for in Article 3 (Art. 5). The above provisions were to be incorporated into the criminal and administrative codes of the union republics. However, the legislator did not introduce the relevant amendments to the Criminal Code of the Ukrainian SSR.

Selected issues concerning the legal and factual protection of contemporary cultural property in Poland

Selected issues concerning the legal and factual protection of contemporary cultural property in Poland

Challenges Requiring New Thinking in Museum Security

Our goal is to provide guidance to those responsible for security involving the protection of cultural property. It’s important to note that the authors here are speaking from positions as practitioners. Our experience in operations, security design, as well as careers in cultural property protection that provided knowledge through trial and error over time as well as working with colleagues in the development of industry best practices as a result of those trials, were instrumental in helping us form the opinions contained in the article. Hence the absence of research and academic references in this article.

Biblioclasm :A Sociocultural Study of Knowledge Destruction and Prevention Through Legal Mechanisms

‘Biblioclasm: A Sociocultural Study of Knowledge Destruction and Prevention Through Legal Mechanisms’ explores the complex and multifaceted phenomenon of biblioclasm, the deliberate destruction of books and knowledge repositories, from a sociocultural perspective. This paper explores the causes of biblioclasm, its historical and modern expressions, and the function of legislative safeguards in preserving intellectual variety and cultural heritage. The study explores the sociocultural roots of biblioclasm and considers the different ideological, political, religious, or cultural motivations that people or groups may have for wanting to eliminate information. The study offers insights into the destructive forces that have affected human history by using historical examples like the burning of the Library of Alexandria and contemporary examples like the destruction of cultural artifacts by terrorist organisations. This study also emphasises the value of legislative safeguards in preventing biblioclasm and safeguarding the world's cultural heritage. It examines the efficiency of international treaties and conventions, such as the UNESCO Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, in averting the loss of knowledge and fostering cultural preservation. The study also looks at how domestic legal systems in particular areas or countries deal with biblioclasm. Keywords - Book Burning, Biblioclam, Iconoclasm, Destruction of Knowledge, Information Censorship, Destruction of Information

International Legal Framework for the Protection of Cultural Objects

Introduction. For thousands of years, historical and cultural monuments have been damaged or destroyed as a result of armed conflicts and acts of vandalism. Given the role that these sites play in the development of humanity, international humanitarian law (IHL) establishes the basis for the international legal protection of religious, cultural and scientific sites. At the beginning of the 20th century. the situation was complicated not only by the absence of a universal international treaty that would be devoted exclusively to the international legal protection of these objects, but also by an international intergovernmental organization that would develop appropriate norms and standards. These problems led to the creation in 1945 of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Thanks to the activities of this specialized UN agency, as well as the activities of a number of non-governmental international organizations, it was possible to form an international legal regime for the protection of cultural property both in peacetime and during armed conflicts.As a result of changes in the strategy of conducting armed conflicts, as well as improving the methods and means of conducting them in the 21st century, cultural objects are in great danger. In this regard, the analysis of current international legal norms and principles for the protection of cultural property in the context of international humanitarian law is of particular relevance.Materials and methods. As for the materials, we were talking about legal acts, Russian and cultural information based on the cultural traditions of international law. methodological basis based on scientific methods of lysis and synthesis, comparative legal method, scientific method of delivery.Research results. The evolution of the system of international legal protection of cultural property and world cultural heritage allows us to draw a conclusion about the comprehensive level of such protection, applied both in peacetime and in armed conflicts. The international legal responsibilities of states in this area are associated, first of all, with assessing the significance of cultural objects and giving them the appropriate legal status through national legislation or inclusion in the registers of international organizations.Discussion and conclusion. At the same time, the activities of states and international organizations related to the special designation of cultural objects in armed conflicts, the training of civilian and military personnel, and taking into account the specifics of the placement and maintenance of such objects are of particular importance. The general body of knowledge and skills for the protection and protection of cultural objects is formed by UNESCO as a specialized agency of the United Nations, which strives to preserve the universal heritage as the highest achievements of art and science.

A practical tool to enable Indigenous enterprise planning and development grounded in culture

Globally, Indigenous people seek to develop sustainable livelihood options that enable them to practice their culture, look after their traditional estates and generate economic development outcomes for their wider community. Enterprise development can and may provide one such pathway. However, challenges can arise with regard to reconciling the core drivers of ‘economic development’ with aspirations to practice and preserve culture. Current enterprise development approaches and models do not always suit Indigenous contexts. In this paper, we present a practical tool to enable Indigenous leaders, their partners, and others, to consider enterprise development options grounded in culture that may generate multiple benefits including economic outcomes. Our tool combines critical review of alternative development models, with empirical research to outline a set of foundational principles, building blocks and potential enterprise development options. We apply the practical tool to a case study of a nascent enterprise from the northern Australia Indigenous-led bush products sector. The case study illustrates how enterprise development planning is integral and discussions should consider how to enable cultural governance, protection of Indigenous cultural and intellectual property, potential benefits and sharing, access to resources, as well as the ‘building blocks’ for enterprise development and consideration of different enterprise approaches. The practical tool aims to ensure development pathways build on local economies and ecologies, do not compromise culture and recognise the influence of extra-local political economies on lived experiences and outcomes.

중국의 박물관 정책과 집안고구려박물관

This study aims to review examined the unique origin and development process of Chinese museums, focusing on cultural property protection policies. The purpose of this paper is to promote an understanding of the rapidly changing Chinese museum policy and the improvement of the Goguryeo cultural heritage in the family, and to actively utilize it in research on this field. In China, museums possess cultural properties, disseminate history and cultural knowledge, and implement patriotism and socialist education to the public. Local museums, built after the 2000s, are shedding new light on the ancient history and culture of the region from the perspective of the 21st century. To protect the cultural heritage of Goguryeo in the city, the National Cultural Heritage Administration of China has built a new House Ji'an Goguryeo Museum to focus on the relationship between Goguryeo and China's central countries. It best reflects China's ancient Korean history policy through its improved regional cultural heritage, emphasizing that Goguryeo is a part of China's history.

Report on the 2024 spring meeting of bio-deterioration study group of Japan Wood Research Society “Protection of cultural properties（structures）”

Report on the 2024 spring meeting of bio-deterioration study group of Japan Wood Research Society “Protection of cultural properties（structures）”

독일의 연방 문화유산법제에 대한 고찰을 통한 우리나라 문화유산법제 개선에의 시사점

With the enactment of ʻthe Basic Law on National Heritageʼ in Korea, The ʻCultural Property Protection Actʼ will be renamed ʻthe Act on the Preservation and Utilization of Cultural Heritageʼ(acronym: the Cultural Heritage Act) from May 17, 2024. The Cultural Heritage Act shall serve as the basic law related to the cultural heritage legislation. The Cultural Heritage Act includes such as contents; the establishment and promotion of the protection of cultural heritage as defined in the Basic Law on National Heritage, the creation of a foundation for cultural heritage protection, and the nationally designated cultural heritage, general movable cultural heritage, and municipal-designated cultural heritage. In the Basic Law on National Heritage, cultural heritage refers only to tangible cultural heritage and intangible cultural heritage is separately classified as intangible cultural heritage. But both tangible and intangible cultural heritage should be considered as the subject of the cultural heritage legislation. Korea had a representative comprehensive cultural property protection legal system in the past, but government recently divided the Intangible Cultural Property Act, the Buried Cultural Property Act, and the Cultural Property Repair Act from the previous Cultural Property Protection Act. Furthermore, Matters related to the preservation and management of natural monuments and scenic spots will be stipulated in newly enacted the “Act on the Preservation and Utilization of Natural Heritage” (acronym: Natural Heritage Act). Although the laws was divided from previous Cultural Property Protection Act, the jurisdiction of the Cultural Heritage Administration remains the same. In order for an effective cultural heritage policy to be activated under the changed legal environment, it is necessary to analyze and examine international agreements related to the globalization of cultural heritage and related legal systems of major countries. And these analysis and examination will be contributed to make legislative and policy improvements to the issues that have been problematic domestically. In this regard, this paper aims to draw implications by examining the German cultural heritage legal system which the federal and state cooperate while maintaining a dual system. In Germany, the protection and management of domestic cultural heritage is protected by the State(Land) in the form of monument protection laws, and the federal government operates the cultural property protection law, which aims to prevent cultural property from being lost by controlling the export, import, and distribution of cultural property. I think it will be a great reference for improving legislation for the globalization of cultural heritage in Korea. In particular, the regulations related to the return of cultural properties illegally leaked abroad and the international exchange of cultural properties are worth referring to. Germany's Cultural Property Protection Act as a federal law has detailed regulations that control the export, import, and distribution of cultural properties, so I think it will be a great reference for improving legislation to globalize Korea's cultural heritage. In particular, regulations related to the return of illegally leaked cultural properties overseas, the guarantee of return of international loans, and the international exchange of cultural properties are worth referencing in Korea's legislative improvement.

무력충돌시 문화재 파괴 행위에 대한 국제형사책임의 과제

Since the 1990s, situations in which culturally significant heritage sites serve as symbolic targets for intentional attacks, leading to the 'destruction of enemy communities,' have frequently occurred. The International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia (ICTY), established to prosecute serious violations of international humanitarian law within the former Yugoslav territories, addresses prominent cases of intentional attacks and destruction of cultural property during the armed conflict, specifically targeting the annihilation of ethnic identity. This article examines the implications and limitations of international legal norms regarding the protection of cultural heritage during armed conflicts, focusing on the Dubrovnik Old Town shelling incident, a representative case of cultural property destruction prosecuted by the ICTY. Firstly, the intentional destruction of cultural heritage is undeniably a significant violation of values that the international community must protect. The pursuit of individual criminal responsibility for the destruction of cultural heritage within the international criminal tribunal signifies a substantial advancement in international efforts to protect cultural heritage during armed conflicts. The negative impact of the intentional destruction of cultural property on human dignity and universal human values is undeniable. However, ensuring effective protection of cultural property in the current normative context, where attacks on cultural property for military purposes may be justified, remains challenging. Secondly, military necessity, rooted in customary international law, limits attacks on enemy forces to military objectives, focusing on the centralization of enemy forces, balancing the military necessity of concentrated attacks on enemy forces with humanitarian considerations to protect civilian objects. However, determining what qualifies as a military objective can be challenging, as it depends on the circumstances of combat and operations. Regardless of whether the principle of proportionality is applicable, evaluating the military necessity from the perspective of cultural heritage protection is crucial. ICTY recognizes that even when military necessity justifies attacks on civilian objects, the intentional destruction of cultural heritage can have a significant impact on the psychological well-being of civilians and may upset the balance with military superiority. Thus, careful consideration is necessary when assessing the military necessity in cases where the protection of cultural property, with a higher need for protection than general civilian objects, is involved. Moreover, even if a target has dual-use, being considered a military objective, evaluating proportionality in the attack is essential to prevent harm to civilians, in accordance with the principle of proportionality. In conclusion, the intentional destruction of cultural heritage should be treated as a threat to the common values of the international community, necessitating appropriate legal and policy responses in line with the actual circumstances of the armed coflict. Military commanders should not only view attacks on cultural heritage as inevitable collateral damage but also recognize the gravity of such acts as war crimes and consider them strategically within military operations.

CHARACTERISTICS AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WORK OF RUSSIAN ARCHITECTS IN THE CITY OF NIKŠIĆ IN MONTENEGRO, THE END OF THE 19th AND THE FIRST HALF OF THE 20th CENTURY

Introduction: During its long and dramatic history, Montenegro has had close political, economic, and cultural ties with Russia. However, in the context of architecture, the connections between these two countries are the least known and explored. Purpose of the study: The present study aims to present for the first time some of the most significant achievements made by Russian architects in the city of Nikšić in Montenegro in the period between the end of the 19th and the first half of the 20th century to a wider professional audience. We present two cases: the project of the Cathedral Church of Saint Basil of Ostrog, which was designed by the architect Mikhail Timofeevich Preobrazhensky, and the project of the Upper Ostrog Monastery, the most significant achievement of the architect Vladimir N. Sukurenko. Methods: The methodological approach required classification and comparison of archival materials through the processes of synthesis, analysis, and deduction. Based on the guidelines of the Law on the Protection of Cultural Property of Montenegro, we formed criteria that were used to evaluate the work of the aforementioned architects. The criteria are sorted into three groups. The first group involves building characteristics, where we evaluate authenticity and integrity, degree of preservation, uniqueness, and rarity. In the second group, covering the significance of the building, we assess the historical and scientific significance, archaeological significance, architectural and artistic significance, and technical significance. Finally, in the third group of criteria, we study the age of the buildings, social and economic importance, environmental and landscape importance. Results: Based on our criteria, we find that the Cathedral Church of Saint Basil of Ostrog is a symbol and the most important spatial element of the identity of the city of Nikšić, while the Upper Ostrog Monastery, one of the most important sanctuaries in orthodox Christianity, represents the pinnacle of the construction and architectural process.

The Goodwill and Consistency of Türkiye in the Repatriation of Foreign Cultural Property: Case Studies of China and Iraq

There are many national and international legal frameworks for the protection of cultural property. However, even though states enact laws to protect cultural property, ratify multilateral conventions, and adopt bilateral agreements, the illicit trade in cultural property remains a problem. The return of any cultural property is a multi-layered process, and it is critical that a state’s policy towards displaced cultural property is consistent and based on goodwill to ensure international protection of cultural properties. This article elaborates on Türkiye’s goodwill and consistency in returning foreign cultural property to its country of origin. Two repatriation cases are examined to assess how Türkiye applies the principles of the 1970 UNESCO Convention and the bilateral agreements done accordingly regarding goodwill and consistency. The first case is, the Republic of Türkiye & the People’s Republic of China where the return was based on a bilateral agreement while the second case is the Republic of Türkiye & the Republic of Iraq where the repatriation took place based on diplomatic relations.

Improving the FAIRness of Japanese Archaeological Grey Literature

In Japan, archaeology is predominantly an administrative pursuit, with only 15,261 research-driven excavations compared to 331,574 rescue excavations linked to development projects from 1976 to 2022. This approach operates within a broader framework focused on protecting archaeological sites, part of a larger cultural property preservation program governed by the Law for the Protection of Cultural Properties. The law emphasizes both the preservation and utilization of cultural properties, with protection encompassing these activities. Administrative tasks, including excavation, analysis, selection, repair, public sharing, museum display, and preservation, constitute a cyclical process of cultural property management. The decentralized administrative structure involves the national-level Agency for Cultural Affairs and local boards of education at prefectural and municipal levels. Notably, 95% of excavations over the past fifty years were conducted by administrative agencies as part of cultural property preservation. Fieldwork reports are considered the end-products of excavations, crucial for disseminating results and claiming common ownership. However, due to decentralization, the production and dissemination of grey literature in Japanese archaeology lack coherent management. Initiatives like the Comprehensive Database of Archaeological Site Reports in Japan (SORAN) aim to enhance the Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability (FAIRness) of Japanese archaeological grey literature.

Ochrona światowego dziedzictwa kulturalnego i jej znaczenie podczas konfliktów zbrojnych

The article is part of the topic related to the protection of the world’s cultural and natural heritage. This protection became the subject of a nationwide scientific conference organized in Poznań on June 20, 2022, titled: “The role of international organizations in the protection of the world’s cultural and natural heritage. Reflections on the 50th anniversary of adopting the UNESCO Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage”. The author deals with the issues of civil and military protection of cultural property in the event of an armed conflict. Hence, the article refers to the 1954 Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and the Protocol amending it. This subject is also relevant today in the context of the ongoing war in Ukraine. The article also deals with the subject of diplomacy as a tool for creating regulations securing cultural property against destruction and describes the role of international organizations taking up this challenge. Finally, it presents the role of Poland and other countries involved in the process of saving cultural goods in the fighting Ukraine.