18. Jul. 2007
Cultural Heritage without Borders is an international relief organisation working to preserve cultural monuments endangered in various ways. The aim is to integrate the preservation and development of cultural properties into the Swedish and international emergency aid and development cooperation.
Working with cultural heritage can help vulnerable groups recover their sense of dignity and empowerment, which in turn can increase the possibilities for reconciliation and fight against poverty.
”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.” (Hague Convention, 1954)
Time and time again we see how war, political conflicts, natural disasters, climate changes and neglect deprive people of their cultural heritage and history. This is happening in the Balkans, India, Pakistan, the Middle East, Indonesia and in many other countries. In these areas, however, there is evidence that work with the preservation and development of cultural sites promotes self-esteem, growth and the fight against poverty.
Issues of cultural heritage have their given place in the development of a state based on peace and human rights. Nowhere is this more obvious than in countries ravaged by internal conflicts. Mutual respect for cultural heritage is a precondition for a societys peaceful development. An active involvement with heritage issues is one way to reduce the risks of people being violated or killed in the future because of their cultural identity and a condition for the guarantee of respect for human rights.
Cultural Heritage without Borders was founded in 1995 and is a private Swedish foundation working in the spirit of the Hague convention from 1954 for protection of cultural property endangered by war, natural disasters, neglect, poverty or political and social conflict.
Our mains tasks are to:
1. To conduct support work in the form of protective measures, conservation and rebuilding; help to institutions hit by disasters; arrangement of seminars and study visits for the exchange of experiences.
2. Create awareness and involvement for the common cultural heritage.
3. Find resources and secure funds for various projects.
We have a regional office in Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina, and a local office in Pristina, Kosovo. Cultural Heritage without Borders has also been participating in the restoration of a monastery in Gandze in China. Most of the work has been performed by local or national partners and here it has been important to encourage open and transparent organisational structures.
Working with cultural heritage helps to strengthen and re-instate a sense of dignity in vulnerable groups, thereby increasing the chances for reconciliation and fighting poverty. A long-term hope is that more international organisations can unite in this specific and action-based work.
The main part of Cultural Heritage without Border’s activities is funded by Sida (Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency).
