Conflicts continue to devastate not only communities but also the cultural heritage that defines a nation’s identity

Around the world, conflicts continue to devastate not only communities but also the cultural heritage that defines a nation’s identity. For countries like Cambodia – home to some of humanity’s greatest historical treasures – this issue is far from abstract; it is deeply personal.

When one state invades another, harms civilians, loots communities or destroys cultural heritage, the international community must ask an essential question: what does international law require? The answer is clear – states responsible for such acts have a legal obligation to provide full reparation.

While the UN Charter does not explicitly use the word “compensation”, its foundational principles establish a clear basis for accountability. Article 2(4) prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or political independence of any sovereign state. When a nation violates this rule through military aggression, it commits a grave breach of international peace and security – one with consequences that extend far beyond diplomatic criticism.

The Charter also contains broader obligations. Articles 55 and 56 require states to promote human rights, cultural development and international cooperation. The intentional destruction of cultural heritage – whether temples, monuments or sacred sites – is fundamentally incompatible with these commitments.

Beyond the Charter, the rules become even more explicit. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has long held that a state committing an internationally wrongful act must make full reparation for the injury caused. This principle, affirmed through decades of jurisprudence, is reflected in the International Law Commission’s Articles on State Responsibility, which define reparation to include restitution, compensation and moral acknowledgment.

International treaties reinforce this obligation. The 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property, adopted under UNESCO, requires safeguarding cultural heritage during armed conflict. Violations can lead directly to state liability. Similarly, the Geneva Conventions prohibit attacks on civilians, the destruction of civilian property and looting – acts considered war crimes when committed deliberately.

Taken together, the message of international law is unmistakable: when cultural heritage is destroyed or civilians are harmed during an unlawful invasion, the responsible state must answer for its actions. Reparation is not optional – it is a legal duty.

For Cambodians, this principle resonates strongly. Our temples and cultural sites are not merely historical structures; they are the soul of our nation and evidence of a civilization that has endured for centuries. Protecting them is not only a national priority but a global responsibility.

As conflicts continue to threaten cultural treasures in many regions, the world must ensure that international law is respected and enforced. Accountability is the only way to protect humanity’s shared heritage and uphold the rights of nations large and small.

Tesh Chanthorn is a Cambodian citizen who longs for peace. The views and opinions expressed are his own.