Myanmar’s Save the Heritage group urges all armed organizations in Myanmar to refrain from engaging in conflict within the premises of ancient cultural heritage sites.
Save the Heritage has called upon all armed factions to cease targeting cultural heritage areas, refrain from conflicts within these sites, abstain from using them as strongholds or forts, and take steps to identify and preserve these areas prior to the outbreak of hostilities.
The statement also highlighted that following the coup, the Military Council has intensified its efforts to attack and occupy public buildings, including schools, hospitals, and religious structures.
They emphasized that the Military Council had encamped within cultural heritage sites, resulting in damage caused by resistance forces targeting them. A notable instance cited was the attack on Military Council troops stationed at Mandalay's ancient palace.
"If attacks are launched under the pretext of Military Council troops stationed at such sites, there may be vulnerable to future legal action. The issue of lawsuits related to damage to ancient heritage from both sides' attacks will only arise later; presently, the cultural heritage is at risk of immediate harm. As military tensions expand, these problems may escalate”, a member of Save the Heritage told Mizzima.
Archaeologists assert that attacking ancient heritage sites constitutes a violation of Geneva Convention VI and The Hague Convention 1954, both of which Myanmar is a signatory to.
Save the Heritage has further cautioned that the ongoing conflicts are leading to the destruction of ancient heritage, coupled with the emergence of illegal markets for antiquities in conflict areas.
Save the Heritage also cautioned all armed organizations to remain vigilant about issues related to ancient cultural heritage, emphasizing its commitment to documenting any organization engaging in actions that harm such heritage.
Save the Heritage further declared that in the forthcoming reconstruction phase following the end of military rule, ancient heritage will serve as emblematic symbols of national culture and crucial assets for the cultural tourism industry.
