News:

The UK government has formally ratified the Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, the minister for arts, heritage and tourism John Glen announced yesterday.

The 1954 convention, which almost 130 other states have already signed up to, is designed to protect cultural property from destruction and looting during armed conflicts. This includes monuments, archaeological sites, artworks and important artefacts.

Glen said: “The world has watched with dismay and horror in recent years at the wanton destruction of priceless historic artefacts and sites in war.

“By ratifying the Hague Convention and both its protocols, the UK underlines our absolute commitment to protecting cultural heritage, both here and across the globe.”

The government introduced the legislation to ratify the convention in the Cultural Property (Armed Conflicts) Act, which was passed into law in February.

Subject to confirmation by UNESCO, the convention and its two protocols will come into force for the UK in December.