UNESCO Grants Protection to 34 Heritage Sites in Lebanon

Following the violent enemy attacks on the historical cities of Baalbek and Tyre, Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Makati urged the UN Security Council to “take swift and decisive action” to protect Lebanon’s cultural heritage. UNESCO responded to the request from Lebanese authorities by granting enhanced protection to 34 heritage sites across Lebanon.

These 34 sites have been added to the International List of Cultural Property under Enhanced Protection. The sites will now benefit from the highest level of immunity under international law. Any violation of this protection could lead to prosecution under the 1954 Hague Convention.

The sites are: Adloun archeological site, Afqa archeological site, Ain Herche temple, Anjar archeological site, Baalbek archeological sites, Beiteddine Palace, Byblos, Chama’ Citadel, Sidon’s Dakerman site, Dubieh Castle, Hbarieh Temple, Niha Fort Temple, Jeb Jennine Roman Bridge, Jiyye archeological site, Kayfoun fort, Kharayeb archeological site, Majdal Anjar temple, Nahle temple, Nahr el Kalb archeological site, Umm Al Amad archeological site, Qalaat Choukeif, Qalaat Deir Kifa, Qalaat Tibnine, Qasarnaba temple, Rachid Karami Forum, Ras el Ain basins, Sarafand archeological site, Sidon’s archeological sites, Ain el Jowb monument, Tal el Burak archeological site, Eshmun sanctuary, Tyre archeological site, Beirut’s National Museum, and Sursock Museum.

UNESCO will provide technical and financial aid to strengthen protections, improve risk management, and train site managers. It will also work with authorities to identify emergency measures and relocate at-risk collections.

Enemy airstrikes have not only destroyed entire villages but also damaged or obliterated ancient archaeological sites. This also includes centuries-old souks and heritage homes across Lebanon. The occupation’s aggressions against Lebanese territories threaten to erase the country’s rich cultural legacy.

We hope that UNESCO’s decision to grant protection to these heritage sites in Lebanon signals the start of real, tangible safeguards for these invaluable landmarks moving forward.

You might also like: Nabatieh’s Most Beautiful Heritage Home Has Been Destroyed.