46 Countries Including Korea and the US Oppose Russia Hosting the World Heritage Committee

Unified Voices on Ukraine Invasion and Cultural Heritage Destruction

Forty-six countries, including South Korea, the United States, and the United Kingdom, have called for a change of venue for the 45th UNESCO World Heritage Committee meeting, scheduled to be held in Kazan, Russia, from June 19 to 30. This is in opposition to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the destruction of cultural heritage. Recently, a letter was sent to twenty-one member countries of the World Heritage Committee detailing the numerous casualties caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the damage to historic buildings. They have also notified that they will boycott the meeting if Russia assumes the chairmanship of the World Heritage Committee. They do not wish for the event to be postponed but hope it will be held at a different location in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the World Heritage Convention. If the venue is changed, it is highly likely that the meeting will be held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, France. Due to the tight schedule and the spread of COVID-19, the event may be conducted in a hybrid format, combining online and in-person participation. The World Heritage Committee has posted a notice on its website stating that if member countries hold a meeting and reach a consensus or vote, the venue can be changed.

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