Recognizing that cultural property has suffered grave damage during recent armed conflicts
and that, by reason of the developments in the technique of warfare, it is in increasing danger of
destruction;
Being convinced that damage to cultural property belonging to any people whatsoever means
damage to the cultural heritage of all mankind, since each people makes its contribution to the
culture of the world;
Considering that the preservation of the cultural heritage is of great importance for all peoples
of the world and that it is important that this heritage should receive international protection;
Guided by the principles concerning the protection of cultural property during armed conflict,
as established in the Conventions of The Hague of 1899 and of 1907 and in the Washington
Pact of 15 April 1935;

For further details:
convention-for-the-protection-of-cultural-property-in-the-event-of-armed-conflict-the-hague-14-may-1954