Echoing the call of
UNESCO Director-General Irina Bokova, the World Heritage Committee has
established a Special Fund to support Mali’s efforts to safeguard the World
Heritage properties affected by the armed conflict in the north of the country,
notably the sites of Timbuktu and the Tomb of Askia in Gao.
The Fund will support the Government of Mali
in assessing damage at the sites, and carrying out reconstruction and
rehabilitation projects for the properties affected as soon as this is made
possible by the security situation. It will also be used to reinforce the
capacities of the managers of the sites and of local communities of Timbuktu
and Gao.
‘The World Heritage label is given to sites
of outstanding universal value, of importance to the whole of humanity. It is
in this spirit that I call on the community of UNESCO Member States, regional
organizations in Africa, other international organizations, and citizens
everywhere, to contribute to this Fund,” the Director-General said.
The World Heritage properties situated in
the northern parts of Mali have been subjected to destructive attacks since
they were occupied by armed rebel groups in April this year. In Timbuktu, nine
mausoleums have been desecrated, including two at the Mosque of Djingareyber,
the most important mosque in the town.
Sankore
Mosque, Timbuktu © UNESCO / L. Eloundou-Assomo
