Minister of Culture Ghassan Salameh announced on Sunday that “Blue Shield” markers have been placed on 34 archaeological sites to provide enhanced protection during the ongoing war in the country.
According to the National News Agency, Salameh said: “The ministry did not stand idle. Since the first day of the war, we contacted UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Anany to stress the importance of strict implementation of the 1954 Hague Convention. Blue Shield markers were placed on archaeological sites so that the opposing parties are aware and respect the convention.”
He added that since the 2024 war in Lebanon, 34 archaeological sites have enjoyed enhanced protection with Blue Shields, in accordance with international norms, to safeguard them during conflicts. He noted that additional sites not included in the 2024 list are being considered for enhanced protection.
Salameh also mentioned that the Ministry of Culture sent one of its advisors to UNESCO to request an extraordinary session of the World Heritage Committee to approve a list of 30 additional sites for protection.
The minister emphasized that the ministry is actively addressing the effects of the war on Lebanon’s cultural heritage, pointing in particular to damage at the edges of the Buss Archaeological Site in the city of Tyre.
He further reported that the war has so far affected around 11 public libraries across Lebanon, three of which were completely destroyed and approximately 10 partially damaged. Salameh highlighted that starting Monday, the ministry, in cooperation with 12 public libraries across the country, will launch programs for displaced children who have been forced to stop attending school, with plans to expand these programs to around 50 libraries under the ministry’s supervision or recognition.
