News and events

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June 25, 2025 - Increase in looting and illegal sale of Syrian cultural heritage

ICOM has released a statement of concern relating to an increase in the looting, sale and trafficking of artefacts originating from Syria. Read the statement here.

June 19, 2025 - Iran closes museums/heritage sites and moves artefacts to safety

Iran museums and heritage sites have now closed and many artefacts are being moved to more secure locations. Read the full story here.

June 15, 2025 - Damage to Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, Ukraine

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv was damaged by an airstrike on June 10. For a response from ICOM, visit the ICOM website.

June 13, 2025 - Report on the Workshop on World Heritage and Indigenous Peoples

On June 13, heritage experts met with indigenous leaders to foster a new, inclusive approach to heritage conservation. For full details, visit the ICCROM website.

Have your say - what are your views about burial spaces?

Newcastle University Scoping Project on Ballast Hills Burial Ground

We're thrilled to share that Newcastle University in the north-east of England is leading a scoping project focused on Ballast Hills Burial Ground, and they want to involve the community in shaping the conversation about this historic site.

As part of the project, they're starting by gathering information on public views about burial spaces, and they need your input! Your thoughts and experiences are invaluable in understanding how burial grounds like Ballast Hills are perceived and valued.

Please take a few minutes to complete this online survey: https://forms.office.com/e/chAsrYZEYx. The survey will be open until 21 September 2024. Your participation will help ensure that the community’s voice is heard in this important project.

Thank you for your time and input!

Dr Myra Giesen, Project Leader