UN calls for int'l cooperation against cultural heritage trafficking in armed conflict

UNITED NATIONS, Nov. 30 (Xinhua) -- A UN official has called for international cooperation to fight trafficking of cultural heritage in armed conflict, particularly by terrorists.

Protecting cultural heritage requires efforts to implement the international legal and normative framework by strengthening international cooperation, Vladimir Voronkov, UN undersecretary-general for counter-terrorism, told the UN Security Council on Thursday.

"There is a need to put a stronger focus on investigation, cross-border cooperation and exchange of information, and on bringing in private- and public-sector partners to promote supply chain integrity and stop the illicit trade and sale of cultural property."

Terrorists, particularly in armed conflict situations, are not only destroying lives and property, but also historical sites and objects, he said. Their goal is to undermine national identity and international law.

"When terrorist groups target world heritage sites, it is an attack on our common historical roots and cultural diversity. Additionally, the looting and illicit trafficking of cultural objects leads to the financing of terrorism and criminal networks," he said. Enditem