Article

An issue of monumental proportions : the necessary changes to be made before international cultural heritage laws will protect immoveable cultural property

by Matthew Smart

• Chicago-Kent law review, Vol. 91, issue 2, 2016, p. 759-802

English

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This Note offers multiple suggestions to improve the protection of immoveable cultural heritage property during conflicts. The destruction of moveable cultural heritage property, while an important issue, is largely outside the scope of this Note. To begin, Part I offers a more precise definition of cultural heritage. Part II explores the current conflict in Syria that is resulting in the destruction of a significant amount of the country’s immoveable cultural property. Part III examines the historical evolution of international laws aimed at the protection of immoveable cultural property during conflicts and its applicability to Syria. Finally, Part IV advances necessary changes to the current regime of international treaties to increase the protection to cultural heritage property. In addition, Part IV argues for the creation of a military force dedicated to protecting immoveable cultural heritage property.

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