Heritage Destruction, Human Rights and International Law

About

Historically, heritage has always been targeted in times of conflict and transition for its symbolic value. However, the difference between historical acts of iconoclasm and the destruction of heritage sites today is that we now have a general consensus, embodied in the corpus of international law, that intentionally destroying cultural heritage is an international wrong and, except in the case of absolute military necessity, constitutes a war crime - and potentially a crime against humanity. In addition, heritage is increasingly recognised as having a strong human rights dimension.
The Summer School offers a unique opportunity to learn from well-known and influential academics and leading practitioners about international law governing heritage protection, as well as the role of international courts in prosecuting heritage destruction in The Hague, the International City of Peace and Justice.

Course leader

Joseph Powderly, Assistant Professor in Public International Law, Law Faculty, Leiden University Amy Strecker, Assistant Professor in Heritage & Governance, Faculty of Archaeology, Leiden University

Target group

This summer school is aimed at students and professionals who would like to acquire knowledge of how heritage destruction is dealt with in international law, in times of conflict and in peace.

Course aim

This course offers a unique opportunity to acquire a solid understanding of how heritage is protected in international law, the rules governing that protection in armed conflict and in peace time; the link between heritage and human rights, and the increasing case law from international criminal courts treating heritage destruction as a war crime and as crimes against humanity. The courses are taught by some of the biggest names in the field and offers plenty of opportunities to network with fellow students and practitioners from all over the world.

Fee info