The Role of Civil Society in the Application of International Law for Heritage Protection in Countries in Conflict in the MENA Region

Abstract

Throughout the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, there have been a myriad of conflicts of very diverse nature, which have had catastrophic consequences for its inhabitants. To this day, countries in conflict in the region have also experienced unprecedented instability in the area, which is having effects on a global scale and whose importance and influence in many cases are difficult to predict. Needless to say, such conflicts have also caused severe damage to the heritage of the affected countries. In an effort to mitigate such damage towards heritage in these countries, this chapter will examine the work of Non-Governmental Organization Heritage for Peace (HfP) in protecting cultural heritage at different levels (international, Islamic and domestic law), by showing how important is the role of civil society regarding the applicability of international law for the protection of cultural heritage. The chapter will present different examples carried on by HfP through a vast network of collaborations among the civil society in Syria, Iraq, Yemen and Libya.