The Ukrainian Red Cross Supports Initiatives to Safeguard Ukraine’s Cultural Heritage

A conference organised by the OBMIN Foundation, “RESILIENT CULTURE. CULTURAL RESILIENCE”, was held in Kyiv, with the Ukrainian Red Cross as a co-organiser. The event brought together representatives from state institutions, museums, the diplomatic corps, and experts from Ukraine and other European countries.

The focus was on collaborative approaches to protecting Ukraine’s cultural heritage as a pillar of national resilience, including the role of international humanitarian law (IHL) in safeguarding cultural property during armed conflict.

In her opening remarks, Olena Stokoz, Deputy Director General of the Ukrainian Red Cross, said:

“For the Ukrainian people, culture is much more than a collection of material and spiritual achievements. It is an inseparable part of the world’s cultural heritage and a profound foundation of our identity, resilience, and future. That is why protecting cultural heritage during wartime is an important area of joint efforts between the state and society.”

Svitlana Poberezhnyk, Senior IHL Specialist at the Ukrainian Red Cross, also joined the discussion. She emphasised that the destruction of cultural heritage has long-term consequences beyond material loss and highlighted the importance of spreading knowledge of IHL and supporting its implementation.

The conference featured four panel discussions focusing on the protection of cultural sites, including museums, and the development of international cooperation in this field.

The Ukrainian Red Cross continues to promote knowledge of international humanitarian law and supports initiatives aimed at safeguarding Ukraine’s cultural heritage.