Respecting Sacred Grounds: Ensuring Protection of Places of Worship during Armed Conflicts

Despite the clear protections established under International Humanitarian Law (IHL), places of worship across the globe continue to be damaged, destroyed, or repurposed for military use. These acts do more than violate international norms; they strike at the very heart of human identity, spiritual heritage, and collective memory.

The Permanent Observer Mission of the Holy See, in collaboration with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and distinguished partners, invites you to a high-level discussion on the urgent need to safeguard religious sites. This event moves beyond legal theory to explore how normative frameworks can be translated into meaningful, values-based protection on the ground—before, during, and after hostilities.

Why This Matters

Beyond Material Loss: The destruction of sacred sites transcends physical damage, deeply wounding the social fabric and hindering future reconciliation.

A Foundation for Peace: Preserving places of worship is not only a legal duty but a vital step toward social cohesion and long-term peacebuilding.

From Law to Action: This dialogue focuses on the "internalization" of IHL through training, engagement with religious actors, and dialogue with all parties to a conflict to foster respect for the sacred character of these sites.

Distinguished Speakers

Introduction and Moderation:

Dr. Cordula Droege, Chief Legal Officer, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

Opening Remarks:

Rev. Msgr. Daniel Pacho, Undersecretary for the Multilateral Sector, Section for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Secretariat of State (Holy See)

H.E. Mr. Yerzhan Ashikbayev, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan

Panel Discussion:

H.E. Ambassador Akram Sa’ud Harahsheh, Permanent Representative of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the UN in Geneva

Ms. Ana Luiza Massot Thompson-Flores, Director of the UNESCO Liaison Office in Geneva

Ms. Anja Tang, Council of Experts of the Article 18 Alliance

Ms. Angela Cotroneo, Head of Protection and CTA Division, ICRC

Concluding Remarks:

Mr. Gilles Carbonnier, Vice-President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

This event is part of the ongoing Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to IHL. We look forward to your participation in this vital conversation on protecting the spiritual and cultural heritage of humanity.