Message from Iran’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO to the Director-General of UNESCO Condemning the Israeli Regime’s Attacks on Cultural, Scientific and Media Infrastructure

Ms. Audrey Azoulay
Director-General of UNESCO

Dear Ms. Azoulay,

The Israeli regime’s military operations have not only violated the sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran, but have also severely undermined the fundamental principles of international humanitarian law. Under these circumstances, the international community looks to organizations such as UNESCO, whose moral and legal authority in the fields of education, culture, science and communication is widely recognized, to stand firm in defending the values enshrined in its Constitution and its normative commitments.

I respectfully emphasize that, in times of conflict, timing is critical. The protection of cultural property, educational infrastructure and press freedom cannot be postponed until the violence has ended; these measures must be actively pursued throughout the crisis. Any delay in taking action may result in irreparable damage, not only to Iran, but to humanity as a whole.

UNESCO’s voice is crucial in shaping international public opinion. At moments such as these, silence may be interpreted as indifference. We therefore call on the Organization to speak out clearly and give expression to the collective conscience of the international community, making full use of its moral and normative authority to defend the pillars of human civilization that are under threat. In this regard, I recall that UNESCO has responded in similar circumstances in Ukraine and Palestine. Examples include UNESCO’s statement of 24 February 2022 condemning attacks on civilians, scientific institutions and cultural heritage in Ukrainian territory, and the Organization’s statement of 22 May 2025 calling for the protection of Palestinian cultural heritage sites.

In this connection, I respectfully draw attention to several fundamental international instruments adopted under UNESCO’s auspices that are relevant and applicable in this context, including:

• The 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its First and Second Protocols, which require all parties to protect cultural property during hostilities;
• The 1972 Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, which emphasizes the responsibility of the international community towards the common heritage of humanity;
• UNESCO’s 1994 Declaration on the Responsibilities of the Present Generations Towards Future Generations, which emphasizes the duty to preserve cultural, scientific and environmental heritage;
• UNESCO’s 1997 Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel, which upholds academic freedom and the protection and safety of scientific institutions and educators, particularly during conflicts;
• The 2013 United Nations Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, led by UNESCO, which calls for preventive and punitive measures to protect media professionals and end impunity for attacks against them;
• The 1978 Declaration on Fundamental Principles concerning the Contribution of the Mass Media to Strengthening Peace and International Understanding, which emphasizes the vital role of journalists and the obligation to ensure their safety.

These conventions and instruments are not merely symbolic; they are tools for action and protection. In this critical situation, we call on UNESCO to reaffirm these commitments through both public statements and practical measures, and to translate them into action.

I look forward to a swift and principled response from UNESCO; one that reflects the Organization’s global mission and responsibilities. I trust in your leadership in defending the values that unite the international community in its service to peace, dignity and our shared heritage.

Ahmad Pakatchi
Ambassador and Permanent Delegate of the Islamic Republic of Iran to UNESCO