The Effects of Inscription of Cultural Heritage in the UNESCO World Heritage List on States Sovereignty

Since the mid-20th century, protecting cultural heritage has become one of the most important concerns of the international community. The "World Heritage List" established under the UNESCO 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage is one of the most effective protective mechanism for the Cultural Heritage. Despite the numerous non-financial and financial benefits such as immunity including the prohibition of being targeted during armed hostilities and the financial support provided by these organizations especially the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has various consequences on states sovereignty and responsibilities. An analytical study of International instruments, treaties as well as state practice shows that inscription of cultural heritage in the World Heritage List has narrowed several aspects of the territorial sovereignty of states and that a breach of International obligations of protection and preservation of world cultural heritage arising there from would result in state responsibility.