Complexities In The Protection of Cultural Heritage In Non-International Armed Conflicts

Abstract

This paper elaborated about the applicability of the 1954 Hague Convention and its Second Protocol in protecting cultural heritage in armed conflicts of non-international character in Northern Mali. The two main critical applicability issues that hamper its enforcement will be discussed in referring to international humanitarian law. By using the Malian war, where the cultural heritage of Timbuktu was intentionally destroyed, the author will consider the extent to which these laws apply and create obligations in a national war context. The significance cultural heritage has requires ensuring the international law to be applied as broadly as possible, all belligerent groups and types of wars are compelled.