The intentional destruction of cultural heritage sites in Libya, especially of Sufi shrines and libraries in Zliten, Misrata and Tripoli, has raised the concerns of international community.
ICOMOS, the International Council on Monuments and Sites, condemns any kind of intentional destruction of cultural heritage and desecration of religious places.

In recent days, and following fighting in Damascus and Aleppo, the conflict in Syria has reached an unprecedented level. On 27 July 2012, the UN Human Rights Chief expressed particular concern about the likelihood of an “imminent major confrontation in Syria's second largest city Aleppo.” 

On the occasion of the 36th session of the World Heritage Committee, gathered in Saint Petersburg, we are pleased to inform you that Michel Cotte, professor and ICOMOS advisor, was awarded the F.G.W. Struve medal by the Scientific Committee of the Pulkovo Observatory and the Russian Academy of Sciences. 

ICOMOS is saddened to announce the passing on July 12 of Hiroshi Daifuku, a signatory of the Venice Charter on behalf of UNESCO, Honorary member of ICOMOS, and Fellow and former Board member of US/ICOMOS.  

2 July 2012

On Saturday 30 June 2012 information was received and verified about the destruction of the Sidi Mahmoud, Sidi Moctar and Alpha Moya Mausoleums , three of the 16 mausoleums that form part of the World Heritage property of Timbuktu in Mali. News of further destruction of mausoleums was received on Sunday, 1 July and Monday, 2 July 2012. 

 ICOMOS deplores the passing away of its Honorary Member, Mr Augusto Carlos Da Silva Telles, from Brazil, on 2 April 2012 at the age of 88.