Announcement of a third contribution to the UNESCO Heritage
Emergency Fund
GATINEAU, QC, Aug. 1, 2024
/CNW/ - The Government of Canada
is firmly committed to protecting cultural heritage, a fundamental
component of the identity, social cohesion, economic
sustainability, peace and security of the international
community.
Today, the Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian
Heritage, announced that $500,000 in
funding is being provided to the Heritage Emergency Fund of the
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization
(UNESCO). This funding is a testament to Canada's ongoing commitment to the protection
of cultural heritage at the international level.
As a State Party to the 1954 Hague Convention and the 1970
UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the
Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural
Property, Canada plays an
essential role in protecting cultural heritage during times of
conflict and heritage that is at risk of illicit trafficking. By
being at the forefront of important discussions, Canada is actively committed to honouring its
obligations to protect cultural heritage.
The concerns and issues related to heritage protection are being
increasingly felt at the international level. Whether the risk to
heritage results from armed conflict or natural disasters, this new
contribution will support UNESCO in its efforts to quickly and
effectively protect endangered cultural heritage.
As the 46th session of the World Heritage Committee—held in
New Delhi, India, from
July 21 to 31, 2024—comes to a close,
we are reminded of the importance of preserving our world heritage.
It is by working together that we will be able to protect world
heritage and ensure a cultural legacy for future generations.
Quotes
"It's an honour to be able to support and prioritize the
protection and preservation of cultural heritage against human or
natural catastrophes. Through its contribution to the UNESCO
Heritage Emergency Fund, Canada
recognizes that the protection of world cultural heritage is a
priority and commits to preserving this precious legacy for future
generations."
—The Honourable Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian
Heritage
Quick Facts
Canada is a signatory to
UNESCO's four cultural conventions, which can all benefit from the
protection of the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund:
- The 1954 Hague Convention, which protects cultural heritage
from being destroyed or pillaged during armed conflict;
- The 1970 Convention, which protects cultural property against
illicit trafficking;
- The 2005 Convention, which protects and promotes the diversity
of cultural expressions around the world; and
- The 1972 World Heritage Convention, which protects sites of
exceptional universal value for future generations.
Canada was the first G7 country
to ratify UNESCO's 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of
Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its two
protocols.
In 2015, UNESCO created the Heritage Emergency Fund to support a
wide range of activities aimed at protecting heritage during
natural disasters and conflict. Among the activities supported by
the Fund is emergency preparation, which includes training, rapid
response during conflicts, and recovery and restoration
measures.
This is Canada's third
contribution to the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund since it was
created in 2015.
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Associated Links
UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund
Canadian Commission for UNESCO
1954 Convention
1970 Convention
2005 Convention on Diversity of Cultural Expressions
46th session of the World Heritage Committee
SOURCE Canadian Heritage