The Intentional Destruction of Cultural Heritage in Iraq as a Violation of Human Rights

Abstract

In May 2016 the UN Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights initiated a study on the intentional destruction of cultural heritage. RASHID International submitted a report detailing the depredations of Daesh in Iraq generally and Mosul specifically, drawing on research performed by RASHID experts in Iraq.

RASHID published a revised edition in August 2017 that identifies destroyed sites the names of which were unknown at the time of submission. For the most recent information, please see the Monuments of Mosul in Danger Website.

About RASHID International

RASHID International is a worldwide network of archaeologists and cultural heritage experts dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the cultural heritage of Iraq, ancient Mesopotamia. To assist our Iraqi colleagues, we collect and share information, research and expert knowledge, work to raise public awareness, and both develop and execute strategies to protect heritage sites and other cultural property through international cooperation, advocacy and technical assistance.

RASHID International is registered as a non-profit organisation in Germany and enjoys charitable tax-exempt status under German law. We are an organisation in special consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council since 2019. Learn more about our work at www.rashid-international.org

All of our research is available open access here: https://zenodo.org/communities/rashid-international/