STATEMENT ON THE CURRENT CONFLICTS IN
WESTERN ASIA
8 May 2026
The European Association of Archaeologists
(EAA) is the largest membership organisation of archaeologists in Europe and is
committed to the promotion and protection of cultural heritage. As
archaeologists we are especially concerned about the effects of current conflicts, including those in Western
Asia, on cultural heritage and on our archaeological colleagues. We are conscious of the
rapidly changing situation in the region, both the expansion of conflict and
ongoing efforts at peace-making. Given this complexity, we address our concerns
within the framework of international law and our professional competence: the
protection of archaeological heritage, the integrity of archaeological
research, and the safety and freedom of our colleagues in the region.
Human life
In accordance with our respect for matters
of human rights, we have deep concerns and compassion for the unbearable human
suffering of civilians and call on all parties involved in the conflict to
strive for immediate solutions that safeguard human lives, and the cultural
heritage of the region.
We implore all parties to such conflicts to
adhere to the Hague Conventions on the Protection of Cultural Property in the
Event of Armed Conflict (1954) and its First (1954) and Second Protocols
(1999). Whether signatories or not, we call on all parties to other relevant
materials and rules, and to take due regard to actual or proposed indictments
for war crimes by the International Criminal Court, the International Court of
Justice and published statements by the United Nations Human Rights Council’s Independent
International Commission of Inquiry and other legal experts.
We are deeply concerned for the safety and
well-being of our colleagues in the region, regardless of citizenship,
ethnicity, religion, political or other allegiance, as well as for the
communities with which they work and the effects of the ongoing conflict on
their lives.
Cultural Heritage
Cultural heritage and work to preserve it
is a fundamental pillar for the existence, identity and well-being of human
societies – not only as material relics, that carry tangible and intangible
meanings and values, but also as witnesses of the past. The maintenance of
cultural heritage is therefore an irreplaceable component of basic human
rights. As archaeologists, we strongly denounce the use of archaeological
heritage to promote and establish political, ideological or national agendas,
in particular to support claims to land that are not recognised under
international law. We urgently call for compliance with international law,
agreements and conventions and for the integrity and objectivity of
archaeological research to be preserved. Similarly, we condemn actions that
damage, destroy or expropriate civilian infrastructure, including those of
cultural significance or which serve the interests of culture, including
schools, universities and other educational institutions.
EAA members have a duty to work for the
protection of archaeological remains and cultural heritage, and this includes
the holistic preservation of the integrity, authenticity and diversity of the
rich cultural heritage of Western Asia. This expresses the region’s
multicultural and multi-religious past and present. We therefore deplore and
condemn any act of damage, destruction or distortion of cultural heritage
sites, including relevant museums and archives, as well as research
infrastructures. We accordingly deplore any illegal actions of any state, group
or agency in appropriating control over cultural heritage sites for the benefit
of that state or group, as referenced in our Statement of 2nd April
2026
(https://www.e-a-a.org/EAA/About/Statements_2018-2024/Statement_2026 Sebastia.aspx).
We further commend the work of all organisations dedicated to bringing such
actions to the attention of the international
archaeological community.
We are also concerned about the removal and
circulation of cultural objects, which are stolen or illegally exported from
their archaeological, cultural context or museum/archive collection amidst the
current state of armed conflict in the region. Our concerns are reflected
in the UNESCO Convention on the Means of
Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export, and Transfer of
Ownership of Cultural Property (1970), the UNIDROIT Convention on Stolen and
Illegally Exported Cultural Objects (1995) and the Council of Europe Convention
on Offences relating to Cultural Property (Nicosia 2017).
Our Appeal
Out of respect for human life and the
shared history that binds us all together, regardless of religion or
nationality, the EAA strongly urges that all acts of war and violence must
cease immediately. We call upon all parties to such conflicts – whether directly
involved or acting in support of parties engaged in the conflict – to consider, among their concerns, the
implementation of appropriate strategies to safeguard the cultural heritages of
the region. It is crucial that armed operations avoid targeting archaeological
and cultural heritage sites, and maintain a safe distance from their immediate
surroundings. It is equally crucial that archaeologists who are citizens of any
party involved suffer no penalties in their work to ensure the protection of cultural
heritage.
Executive Board, in cooperation with the
Task Force for the EAA Roadmap