UNESCO takes emergency measures to protect Sudan Artifacts
Moatinoon:
UNESCO stated that the threat to culture in Sudan has reached an unprecedented level, with reports of looting of museums, heritage, archaeological sites, and private collections. Since the start of hostilities in April 2023, UNESCO has been closely monitoring the impact of this crisis on Sudanese heritage, cultural institutions, and artists.
UNESCO has implemented emergency measures in five archaeological museums in Sudan, securing endangered collections, setting up safe shelters, and digitally documenting more than 1,700 pieces. It has also launched other initiatives, including support for Sudanese artists through the creation of a center in Port Sudan. This center allows internally displaced cultural professionals to continue their artistic activities in a safe space, engage with the local community, and develop new skills and knowledge.
UNESCO urged all parties to comply with international humanitarian law by refraining from destroying, looting, or using cultural properties for military purposes. The organization expressed deep concern over reports of the looting of the Sudan National Museum, whose restoration had been coordinated by UNESCO with funding from Italy since 2019. The museum contains important historical artifacts, such as statues and archaeological collections of significant historical and material value. Other important collections, representing the rich history of Sudan, have also been reported stolen from the Khalifa House Museum and the Nyala Museum.
UNESCO said it is working to verify these reports to assess the extent of the damage and renewed its call to the public and the art market involved in the trade of cultural properties in the region and worldwide to refrain from buying, importing, exporting, or transferring ownership of Sudanese cultural properties. It warned that the illegal sale or transfer of these cultural items would lead to the loss of part of Sudan’s cultural identity and endanger the countrys recovery.
The organization emphasized its commitment to intensifying efforts to prevent such trafficking. By the end of 2024, it plans to organize training in Cairo for law enforcement and judicial members from Sudans neighboring countries. UNESCO is also conducting risk and damage assessments of World Heritage sites, including “Jebel Barkal and the Sites of the Napatan Region” and “the Archaeological Sites of the Island of Meroe,” using satellite imagery, along with other historical locations.
