IHL Database: Rule 39 on the Use of Cultural Property for Military Purposes

Type

Document

Institution

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

Platform

International Humanitarian Law (IHL) Database

Cost

Free

Available in

English, French, Arabic, Russian, Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese

Description*

This document elaborates on rule number 39 which says that the use of property of great importance to the cultural heritage of every people for purposes which are likely to expose it to destruction or damage is prohibited, unless imperatively required by military necessity. It can be accessed through the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) database.

The document is part of the database that contains the 161 rules of customary IHL. This database is an online version of the study conducted by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on customary IHL, originally published by Cambridge University Press in 2005. The study consists of two volumes: volume I (rules) and volume II (practice). The database makes the rules and the practice underlying them accessible online. Customary International Law is not written but derives from "a general practice accepted as law" and exist independent of treaty law. Customary IHL is of crucial importance in today’s armed conflicts because it fills gaps left by treaty law and so strengthens the protection offered to victims. The study identified 161 rules of customary IHL that constitute the common core of humanitarian law binding on all parties to all armed conflicts. These rules enhance the legal protection of victims of war throughout the world.

ICRC is an independent organization that helps those affected by armed conflict and promotes compliance with international humanitarian law. Its mandate stems essentially from the Geneva Conventions of 1949.

Some of the contents of the document are:

  • International and non-international armed conflicts
  • Waiver in case of imperative military necessity