Disaster in Mali

UNESCO is increasingly concerned by the growing threats to cultural heritage in Mali.  Irina Bokova, Director-General of UNESCO, has called upon the internationally recognized obligation of countries to safeguard their heritage in times of war, urging both the Malian authorities and the rebel forces to respect Mali’s heritage.

According to Malian reports, this past Friday--May 4th—the Ansar Dine group desecrated the graves of revered Muslim Sidi Mahmoud, burning the entrance to the mausoleum and preventing worshippers from gathering.

Following this event Bokova stated, “This cultural heritage is our common property, and nothing can justify damaging it.”  How true this is.

Originally posted by Sally Johnson on CulturalSecurity.net.

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