UNESCO condemns July 6 missile attack on Lviv

This was reported on the organization's website.

UNESCO condemns the bombing that hit a historic building in Lviv last night, located in the buffer zone of the World Heritage Site of "Lviv – the Ensemble of the Historic Centre," the statement reads

The Organization also expresses its sincere condolences to the families of the five victims, according to a provisional report, and its support to those injured and to the people of Lviv.

UNESCO as well recalls the obligations of States Parties under these widely ratified normative instruments. States Parties to the World Heritage Convention undertake not to take any deliberate measures which might damage the cultural and natural heritage situated on the territory of other States Parties. These obligations apply to the buffer zones.

Buffer zones are an additional layer of protection for World Heritage sites and whose boundaries are recognised and approved by the World Heritage Committee.

In accordance with the 1954 Hague Convention, States Parties also undertake to refrain from any act of hostility directed against cultural property.

Russian attack on Lviv

During the night of July 6, the Russian forces launched a misile strike on Lviv, resulting in damage to a residential building, which is a locally significant architectural monument, a school, and dormitories. Ten people were killed, and 42 others were injured, including three children.

Later, it became known that the UNESCO World Heritage Site "Lviv: Ensemble of the Historic Centre" was affected as a result of the Russian attack. The Ministry of Culture called on the organization to take action.