UNESCO to Send an Expert Mission to Iran amid Concerns over the Condition of Golestan Palace
| Following multiple meetings held by the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO with UNESCO experts and officials on the preservation and protection of cultural heritage, particularly during the recent American–Israeli attacks on Iranian territory, and in light of the Commission’s ongoing correspondence and follow-up efforts, together with the Permanent Delegation of Iran to UNESCO and the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, UNESCO has confirmed receipt of the report on the damage sustained by the Golestan Palace World Heritage Site and its surrounding historic urban fabric. The Organization has expressed deep concern over the impact of these events on this valuable heritage and announced its readiness to dispatch a joint expert mission to Tehran. This initiative is intended to support the protection of cultural heritage, with an emphasis on the need to uphold international law. |
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has formally acknowledged receipt of correspondence from Iranian officials concerning the damage sustained by the Golestan Palace World Heritage Site and its surrounding historic urban fabric in Tehran. In its letter, the Organization expressed deep concern over the impact of recent hostilities on this cultural heritage site. Inscribed on the World Heritage List in 2013, Golestan Palace is of Outstanding Universal Value, and its protection is of particular importance to the international community.
Emphasis on Compliance with International Laws on Cultural Heritage Protection
In its correspondence, UNESCO emphasized the need for all parties to comply with international legal instruments relating to the protection of cultural heritage, including the 1954 Hague Convention and the 1972 Paris Convention. These conventions provide the necessary legal frameworks for safeguarding World Heritage.
UNESCO Expresses Readiness to Dispatch an Expert Mission and Provide Technical Assistance
In response to a request from Iranian officials, submitted following several meetings between the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO and UNESCO experts and officials on the preservation and protection of cultural heritage, particularly during the recent attacks, UNESCO has expressed its readiness to dispatch a joint expert mission in cooperation with the authorities of the Islamic Republic of Iran, as soon as conditions permit.
The Organization has asked the Iranian side to provide the World Heritage Centre with the proposed mission’s terms of reference, along with additional information on the site’s conservation status, the extent and nature of the damage, and the measures taken to safeguard the property.
UNESCO has also indicated that Iran may request enhanced monitoring and technical assistance under the Second Protocol to the 1954 Hague Convention. The Organization has expressed its readiness to provide immediate technical assistance, initial resources, documentation, risk reduction, stabilization, and reconstruction planning.
UNESCO reaffirmed its commitment to continued close cooperation, within the framework of its mandate to protect Iran’s cultural heritage.
