La protección del patrimonio cultural inmaterial contra la destrucción intencional en el Derecho internacional público

Abstract

In many armed conflicts, but also in times of peace, the world's cultural heritage becomes the target of deliberate attacks because of its significance for the collective identity of communities. In recent years, the systematic destruction of cultural sites and properties has captured the attention of world public opinion and also of the international community. However, it is not only buildings, monuments, and other tangible objects that are victims of intentional destruction, but also intangible cultural heritage, i.e. inter alia languages, performing arts, social practices, or traditional knowledge. The destruction and deterioration of such heritage can have significant social, political, and economic repercussions and pose a threat to cultural diversity as well as to the realisation of human rights.This doctoral thesis aims to analyse the protection offered by public international law against intentional destruction of intangible cultural heritage. To this end, after presenting the main manifestations of intentional destruction of this heritage and its consequences, it focuses on the need to strengthen provisions specific to cultural heritage through international humanitarian law, international human rights law, and international criminal law.