On the night of Thursday 14 to Friday 15 November, a large-scale Russian attack targeted the Historic Centre of Odesa, which has been protected since January 2023 under the UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Preliminary reports indicate damage to around twenty buildings, including historical and religious buildings, and some educational buildings.
UNESCO condemns these strikes which contravene international law and expresses its support for the victims, the population and the local authorities.
UNESCO's representative in Ukraine held talks with representatives of the Odesa municipality on Friday afternoon and a mission of experts from the Organization went to the site on Saturday to help assess the damage and prepare for the safety of the buildings.
Once again, UNESCO is calling for an end to all attacks on cultural property protected under widely ratified international standard-setting instruments.
About UNESCO
With 194 Member States, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization contributes to peace and security by leading multilateral cooperation on education, science, culture, communication and information. Headquartered in Paris, UNESCO has offices in 54 countries and employs over 2300 people. UNESCO oversees more than 2000 World Heritage sites, Biosphere Reserves and Global Geoparks; networks of Creative, Learning, Inclusive and Sustainable Cities; and over 13 000 associated schools, university chairs, training and research institutions. Its Director-General is Audrey Azoulay.
"Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that the defenses of peace must be constructed" - UNESCO Constitution, 1945.
