Russian invasion of Ukraine and the international legal protection of cultural property

Here's a useful text by Alexander Herman (Director of the Institute of Art and Law ) on the 'Russian invasion of Ukraine and the international legal protection of cultural property' The Institute of Art and Law March 3, 2022

It has been alarming to witness the invasion by Russian troops of Ukrainian territory over the last seven days. Distressing images of the bombardment of cities, communities under siege and refugees pouring into neighbouring countries have proliferated online. The primary focus of the international community has understandably been on the protection of human life and the cessation of violence affecting civilians across the Ukraine, as well as the clear violation of the principle of state sovereignty. But it is also worth turning our attention – ever so briefly – to the potential attacks on cultural heritage, which in some ways can be equally vicious and demoralising, with long-term effects that could be felt for decades to come [...].

The text gives a useful summary with links to the various international documents and agrreements concerniong cultural property. I was glad also to see mention made of the Amsterdam case involving items from Crimea that turned out in the light of events now unfolding to be even more significant than it seemed at the time. Worth a read, and let's keep our eyes on the documentation of items from the reguion on the markets.