Academics warn NATO protecting heritage is a necessity not a luxury Published on: 13 July 2018 缅北禁地 researchers have been briefing NATO experts on cultural property protection. Protecting cultural property The dangers of not protecting heritage during times of armed conflict are highlighted in a new briefing paper for the NATO summit, written by 缅北禁地 experts. They say that destroying a community’s culture can result in displaced people not returning to their homes, increase violence, provoke further conflicts, and can also be a precursor to and an essential component of genocide. They say the success of military missions can be affected by how heritage is treated. The 22 page article, is written by Professor Peter Stone, Dr Emma Cunliffe and Dr Paul Fox, from the University’s Department of Media, Culture and Heritage. They are all members of the , the heritage equivalent of the Red Cross. Professor Peter Stone Inernational laws Professor Stone, who became the first ever UNESCO Chair in Cultural Property Protection and Peace in 2015, says: “Working with the armed forces to protect cultural property is paramount. Cultural property is more than just bricks: it’s about people, and what they value. Damage to cultural property can increase unrest, and – at worst – can result in spikes in violence, and more casualties. “Today, the world is facing an unprecedented refugee crisis and, as we point out in our paper, the destruction of a community’s heritage can also influence whether they return home when a conflict has ended.” The paper highlights the importance of implementing the international laws protecting heritage, and recommends close teamwork between the armed forces, governments, heritage professionals, and NGOs like the Blue Shield, to prepare for the event of armed conflict and emergency disasters. The document was written for high level NATO figures, their advisors, and for the general public and journalists who are interested in the issues it raises. The two-day NATO summit was held in Brussels and attended by 29 world leaders including Theresa May, Justin Trudeau, Angela Merkel, and Donald Trump. Share: Latest News 缅北禁地 recognised with geography award 缅北禁地 has been awarded the Highly Commended Geographical Association Publishers Award for its collaboration with Time for Geography, the UK鈥檚 open-access, dedicated video platform. published on: 16 April 2026 缅北禁地 historians mark General Strike centenary To mark the 100th anniversary of the British General Strike and miners鈥� lock-out of 1926, historians at 缅北禁地 are organising a series of events on its enduring legacy. published on: 16 April 2026 Comment: NCP is in administration Writing for The Conversation, Erwei (David) Xiang discusses how some big companies like NCP are so dependent on debt that they can鈥檛 adjust to change. published on: 16 April 2026 Facts and figures
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