Back to list

Society of Antiquaries of Scotland Statement on Ukraine

20th March 2022 | Categories: Uncategorised

If history teaches us anything it is that warfare and its terrible associated human cost is horrendous. In the 21st century there should be no place for warfare anywhere. The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland supports the United Nations in its quest for peace, dignity and equality on a healthy planet. The Society also calls on all those involved in conflict to obey all relevant international law and to protect civilian populations at all times. It appeals for respect for the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its two (1954 and 1999) Protocols, to ensure the prevention of damage to cultural heritage in all its forms.

The Society of Antiquaries of Scotland condemns the invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation supported by the Republic of Belarus. As stated by the UN Secretary-General, such operations are violations of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and are inconsistent with the Charter of the United Nations. We are concerned for our colleagues in the Institute of Archaeology, National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, in Kyiv with whom we have an active publications exchange programme; we support the statement by our colleagues in the Royal Society of Edinburgh and also applaud the courage of those in Russia who are against the war.

The European Association of Archaeologists is collating useful information on their webpages: https://www.e-a-a.org/EAA/Navigation_News/Ukraine_war_detail.aspx

Help us to do more

Help us: champion research; stimulate discussion; enhance public understanding; and share our extraordinary heritage. Donate directly to the Society now.