Thank you, Chair, for convening us today on this important topic -the first time we have discussed this in the OSCE Security Committee and I hope it won't be the last as this is clearly an important topic for all countries.
Reports of Russia's deliberate looting, removal of cultural artefacts, and destruction of precious items of Ukrainian cultural property have been heard with indignation around the world. Recent destruction in Lviv and Odesa - UNESCO World Heritage Sites - has been a chilling reminder that culture is on the front line in this war. Ukrainian culture is a part of world culture, and attempts to destroy it cannot be tolerated.
The UK stands in full solidarity with the brave people of Ukraine and recognises the irreplaceable value of their cultural heritage. The deliberate destruction of cultural heritage is a war crime and the UK is working with international partners to support Ukraine in protecting its cultural treasures. This includes countering the illicit trafficking of cultural property as a result of the conflict.
The UK's culture sector has played a key role in the UK's response to the war in Ukraine. This has included knowledge exchange with Ukrainian counterparts, supporting and hosting Ukrainian exhibitions, hosting Eurovision on behalf of Ukraine and welcoming Ukrainian tours of orchestras and ballets throughout the UK.
Furthermore, the UK Department for Culture Media and Sport's International Cultural Heritage Protection Programme (ICHP) has provided practical support for Ukrainian heritage preservation. ICHP has funded interventions through the British Council to deliver emergency cultural heritage protection, support including preservation materials, as well as a study to assess the feasibility of prosecuting Russian forces for the intentional targeting of cultural property. The UK will continue to assess options to support the response to the illicit trafficking of cultural property which has been caused by Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine.
Finally, we welcome the work of the OSCE's Heritage Crime Taskforce and recognise it as an important response mechanism to countering the illicit trafficking of cultural property. We look forward to continuing to engage with the OSCE team on this work.
Thank you.
