Protection of cultural assets in case of occupation

The Protection of Cultural Property during Occupation Cultural property represents an integral part of every nation, it completes the identity of the individual as well as that of humanity as a whole. Because of its specific character, it represents a unique and valuable source for the understanding of history, and creates a sense of belonging to a community, either in its national or in its worldwide sense. Cultural property has a special, irreplaceable meaning for society; its character, existence and continuity and must therefore be protected. The risks that cultural property faces are of two different kinds: either independent of human will or, on the other hand, connected with human activity. Dangers for cultural property are naturally present even during the time of peace. On the other hand, cultural property represents especially vulnerable objects during the time of armed conflict or occupation. Even though during the time of armed conflict the protection of human lives, especially of persons not involved in actual fighting, plays the paramount role, it is nevertheless important to provide protection to cultural property as well. The aim of my thesis is to provide an overview and framework of existing mechanisms for the protection of cultural property in the event of armed conflict,..