In an urgent appeal to the international community, a group of Lebanese parliamentarians has called on UNESCO Director-General Audrey Azoulay to intervene and protect Lebanon’s cultural heritage sites, which are facing mounting threats due to the ongoing Israeli attacks and destruction.
The MPs, led by Najat Saliba, delivered a message to UNESCO, urging the global organization to take immediate action to safeguard the country’s invaluable historical landmarks from further damage. In a letter on Thursday, the MPs condemned the recent atrocities committed during the war on Lebanon, highlighting Israel’s violations of international laws and the catastrophic toll on human life. The MPs stressed that, alongside the loss of innocent lives and the forced displacement of families, Lebanon’s ancient sites, including those in Baalbek, Tyre, Sidon, and other historic cities, are at high risk.
“These cherished landmarks, which are priceless not only to Lebanon but to humanity, face a growing threat as the war intensifies,” MP Saliba said in the message to UNESCO.
“These sites embody centuries of history, achievements, and human identity, and they carry profound values that bind generations. Their protection is not only a national interest but a global responsibility," she added.
The MPs urged UNESCO to act swiftly, mobilizing its resources to draw international attention and implement protective measures for Lebanon’s endangered sites.
UNESCO, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, has long been tasked with promoting peace through education, science, and culture. The MPs pointed out that the destruction of Lebanon’s historic sites would be a “tragic blow” to world heritage, causing lasting damage to humanity’s collective identity.
As parliamentarians, the MPs emphasized that their plea goes beyond mere physical preservation. They called for the protection of the stories, traditions, and values these sites represent, which are crucial to connecting the country’s past with its future.
“We stand firmly with the United Nations mission to protect lives, rights, and cultural heritage, acknowledging the urgent need to preserve what remains of our shared humanity,” the MPs wrote. “Targeting these sites, whether directly or indirectly, will not only affect Lebanon but will have far-reaching consequences for people worldwide.”
The MPs concluded their letter by urging Azoulay and UNESCO to prioritize the preservation of these historical monuments, ensuring that they remain as symbols of unity and peace for future generations.
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