Tehran – The World Archaeological Conference (WAC), a leading international organisation of archaeologists committed to protecting human rights and cultural heritage, has issued a powerful statement addressing the deepening of Gaza’s humanitarian and cultural crises.
The statement was released following an extraordinary council meeting held on April 30, 2025, reiterating the WAC’s concerns over escalating violence and targeted destruction in the region.
“In line with our mission and ethical commitment, we reaffirm our condemnation of all forms of violence against civilians and cultural heritage,” said President Kojima, president of the World Archaeology Conference, on behalf of the Council. “We are calling on all parties to immediately halt hostilities and to support international humanitarian law.”
In a particularly pointed appeal, Congress urged the Israeli government to halt actions that could be interpreted as genocide, crimes against humanity, or collective punishment for Palestinian civilians. The WAC also called for an end to the systematic destruction of Palestinian cultural heritage. It says it is “part of the shared heritage of humanity, not just the history and identity of the Palestinian people.”
The organization emphasized that cultural heritage is not a secondary concern in a time of conflict, but a fundamental aspect of human dignity and community resilience.
“As mentioned in 2023, the values of human life and the principles of universal human rights must take precedence over all other concerns,” the statement said. “At the same time, I assert that cultural heritage is essential to human dignity and community resilience, and that its preservation is a fundamental human right.”
The Congress has vowed to continue to monitor the situation in Gaza, raise awareness within and beyond, and take action consistent with its long-standing mission to protect people and their heritage in both peace and conflict.
With members from over 90 countries, the World Archaeological Conference exists as the only complete international and representative organization of archaeologist practice. WAC’s work includes promoting professional training in underprivileged communities, strengthening the power of Indigenous and minority groups, and advocating for the conservation of archaeological sites threatened by conflict, looting and development.
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