Since ICCROM was created in 1956, it has endeavored to work with its Member States to improve the conservation of cultural heritage. Heritage has a fundamental role to play in the sustainable development of our societies.
In a world increasingly subjected to challenges due to natural hazards and conflicts, ICCROM calls for the respect and protection of culture, cultural heritage and related traditions. Particularly in situations of armed conflict, ICCROM calls upon its Member States to acknowledge the value of heritage, to undertake all measures to reduce risks to civilians and to cultural heritage, and to respect international conventions and recommendations, in particular the 1954 Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its two protocols, the 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, and the 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage, of which ICCROM is an Advisory Body.
ICCROM expresses its support with heritage and conservation professionals in its Member States, and calls attention specifically to its programme on First Aid and Resilience for Cultural Heritage in Times of Crisis (FAR) as well as a body of resources produced to aid heritage professionals in times of crisis.