Heritage a fundamental right, responsibility of all: ICOMOS

NEW DELHI: The responsibility for safeguarding heritage extends between nations and cultures, and any intentional destruction that aims to erase a cultural identity is a "breach of fundamental human rights", the Delhi Declaration passed by the ICOMOS said on Friday.

The five-day 19th General Assembly of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), hosted for the first time in India, culminated in New Delhi on Friday, at the end of which the declaration was passed by the global heritage body.

"This declaration reflects a commitment by the ICOMOS to heritage and democracy as key ingredients in a people-based approach to sustainable development. Heritage is a fundamental right and responsibility of all.

"It is a starting point for a meaningful and equitable future that secures and celebrates diversity, social engagement, equality and justice for all cultures," reads the opening words of the declaration.

The assembly, that began on December 11, convened 890 heritage experts from 80 countries around the world.