The world has long watched with shock and disgust as some of the worlds most precious cultural treasures and heritage sites have been destroyed or controlled by barbaric and extremist forces, destructive ideologies, and conflict zones. Some of civilizations greatest heritage sites in places like Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan among others still face imminent threat of destruction or damage.

The purpose of the UNESCO-led #Unite4Heritage campaign is to build support for the protection of heritage where it is threatened by sectarianism and extreme violence.

#Unite4Heritage will use the power of social networks to create a global movement with young people for them to raise their voice and take action for the safeguarding of heritage under threat, in Iraq and elsewhere, providing a counter-narrative to sectarian propaganda.

This campaign builds on the Day of Standing in Solidarity led by the University of Baghdad on 5 March and the launch of a campaign by students on “Our Heritage – Our Responsibility”.

“Today, we send a clear and resounding message – we do not accept cultural cleansing and we stand together to do everything we can to stop it,” declared Irina Bokova. “We launch this campaign here in Baghdad, and we will take it across the region and world, strengthened by the values and conviction we share.” – UNESCO

To help support the #Unite4Heritage campaign, please visit the following website: http://www.unite4heritage.org/index.php