Special status of cultural heritage objects during armed conflicts: a comparative analysis of Dubrovnik and Odesa experience

This article provides an analysis of the activities of international and state organizations during armed conflicts and post-war reconstruction, and explores the impact of UNESCO World Heritage status on these activities. The main focus is on two historic cities – Dubrovnik in Croatia and Odesa in Ukraine – which are representative examples for considering the effects of armed conflicts on cultural heritage. Dubrovnik, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1979, has become a symbol of resilience and rebirth after Croatia’s War of Independence. The city suffered significant damage during the shelling, but the international community, together with the Croatian authorities, joined the restoration of historical monuments. UNESCO drew attention to the need to preserve cultural heritage, which helped mobilize resources and international assistance. The restoration work demonstrated the importance of international cooperation in preserving cultural heritage during conflicts. A similar situation is now unfolding in Odesa, which also has the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, although it was added to the list only in 2023, after the start of the Russian-Ukrainian war. Odesa, like Dubrovnik, found itself at the centre of an armed conflict that threatened cultural heritage. The war has posed serious challenges to the protection of the city’s architectural and historical values, including risks to museums, libraries, churches, and other cultural sites. The article pays special attention to the challenges faced by cultural heritage in times of war. For example, in addition to physical destruction, important issues include the protection and preservation of museum collections and archives, which can be subject to looting or destruction. In the case of Odesa, civil society also plays an important role in protecting cultural heritage. Numerous initiatives are emerging to preserve architectural monuments and cultural sites. An important element is the involvement of local residents in heritage preservation processes, which helps to raise awareness and responsibility for the cultural heritage of their city. Finally, the article emphasizes the importance of the UNESCO World Heritage status as a tool for protecting cultural heritage during armed conflicts and post-war reconstruction. The experiences of Dubrovnik and Odesa demonstrate that international recognition and support can be key factors in the preservation and restoration of cultural sites that are an important part of national and world heritage. Key words: Museum collections, cultural heritage, damaged monuments, Russo-Ukrainian war, Croatian War of Independence, Dubrovnik, Odesa.