Blue Shield Austria in Belgian "faro" Magazine

The protection of cultural property remains of great relevance in a world affected by war and armed conflict. In the latest issue of the Belgian "faro" magazine, Henrike Radermacher and Julie Lambrechts authored an article examining milestones and ongoing challenges in the implementation of the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.

For this piece, they interviewed Emma Cunliffe (Blue Shield International), Milena Chorna (Ukrainian Museum Association), Constanze Fuhrmann (German Society for Cultural Property Protection e.V.), and Anna Puhr (Blue Shield Austria), who shared insights from research, practice, and field experience. The discussion emphasized several key points:
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• The urgency of action in current crises such as Ukraine.
• The necessity to prepare during times of peace.
• The importance of cross-sectoral cooperation, including between the heritage sector, the military, and humanitarian actors.
• The need to ensure that the protection of cultural heritage is placed firmly on the policy agenda at national, European, and international levels.

The article also highlights the seven recommendations to the European Union developed during the expert event “Milestones & Way to Go” organized by Blue Shield Austria and partners. These recommendations outline what actions the EU can, should, and must take to strengthen the protection of cultural heritage in situations of armed conflict and disaster.