Shafaqna English- Over the past few years, an increasing number of religious sites have been targeted by terrorist attacks that seek to undermine even the religious community’s sense of belonging. So, safeguarding religious sites is a common responsibility of the entire world community.
According to Shafaqna, protecting sacred and religious sites is essential not only for preserving cultural history but also for promoting religious freedom, dialogue, and understanding today. These sites serve as more than just places of worship; they play a crucial role in shaping histories of coexistence and fostering social cohesion within communities, showcasing their ability to bridge divides.
Sacred sites embody both tangible heritage, represented by their physical structures, and intangible heritage, which includes the beliefs, songs, customs, and rituals that give these sites their significance. Whether they are historical cultural landmarks or contemporary places for worship, pilgrimage, and gathering, sacred sites offer individuals opportunities to connect with the divine through collective worship and prayer. Furthermore, they can serve as transformative hubs for peace and mutual understanding—places that promote inclusion rather than exclusion.
Sacred sites hold great significance. They not only represent the religious heritage of the faiths that cherish them, but they also belong to the collective religious heritage of humanity. These sites should be treated with respect as places of peace and harmony, where worshippers and visitors can feel secure.
They should be respected by everyone. Where they have been destroyed, efforts should be made to restore them and enhance their beauty for the sake of God and for the benefit of His servants. Failing to do this would betray our shared religious heritage.
Sacred sites are an asset to advancing mutually reinforcing goals related to human rights
Sacred sites, while cherished by their respective faith communities, also serve as unique venues to encourage forward-thinking discussions about coexisting peacefully with individuals from diverse backgrounds and beliefs.
However, these sites are often overlooked as valuable assets that can promote shared objectives related to human rights and religious freedom.
Although traditional human rights advocacy remains essential, there is a growing recognition among practitioners and scholars of the potential for sacred sites to tackle various challenges in diverse contexts, thereby enhancing advocacy efforts.
Religious sites are becoming increasingly vulnerable
People everywhere must be allowed to observe and practice their faith in peace, as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights affirms. Religious sites and all places of worship and contemplation should be safe havens, not sites of terror or bloodshed.
Today, religious sites are becoming increasingly vulnerable. Despite the clear protections established by International Humanitarian Law (IHL), places of worship around the world continue to face damage and destruction. These actions not only violate international norms but also attack the core of human identity, spiritual heritage, and collective memory.
Wars, climate disasters, and humanitarian crises are increasingly widespread across the globe. While international efforts prioritize providing shelter, food, and medical aid, the destruction of sacred sites often feels overlooked. However, churches, mosques, synagogues, shrines, and other holy spaces hold significant value, representing a community’s memory, identity, and traditions. It is crucial to preserve these places. These spaces can counter religious persecution and advance peaceful coexistence. What can be done to safeguard these sites and promote peace in the world?
Safeguarding religious sites is a common responsibility of the entire world community
Over the past few years, an increasing number of religious sites have been targeted by terrorist attacks that seek to undermine even the religious community’s sense of belonging. So, safeguarding religious sites is a common responsibility of the entire world community.
Role of international organizations
For this reason, the United Nations General Assembly called on member states, in its seventh review of the United Nations Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy in 2021, to strengthen efforts to improve the security and protection of particularly vulnerable targets, including religious sites, as well as increasing its resilience to terrorist attacks, particularly in the area of civil protection.
The UN’s Plan of Action to Safeguard Religious Sites emphasizes that governments should conduct threat and risk assessments, strengthen national security strategies, and facilitate information sharing between government authorities and religious leaders. These measures allow political authorities to respond to changing threats against places of worship.
Moreover, in July 2026, UNESCO updated its guidance on Enhanced Protection under the 1999 Second Protocol to the 1954 Hague Convention. The mechanism provides a high level of protection against military attacks for cultural property of the greatest importance to humanity. Importantly, eligibility requires adequate domestic legal and administrative measures, meaning national governments have a direct responsibility to establish and maintain appropriate protection.
Role of political leaders
Political leaders play an important role in protecting sacred and religious sites by establishing legal frameworks, providing security, allocating resources, coordinating emergency responses, and promoting respect for religious diversity.
Political leaders have a fundamental responsibility to create the legal, institutional and security conditions necessary for protecting sacred and religious sites. Governments can establish laws that prohibit the destruction, desecration, illegal appropriation and looting of religious heritage.
Leaders to build and effectively communicate through all available channels a counter narrative to hatred and violent extremism.
Role of religious leaders and believers
Religious leaders and believers are not simply beneficiaries of protection; they can act as custodians of living religious heritage. UNESCO recognizes that religious communities have played a role in the creation, maintenance, and continued use of sacred places.
UNESCO’s approach specifically recommends dialogue among religious communities and government authorities when developing management policies for religious heritage.
Moreover, sustained collaboration among different religions through interreligious dialogue will contribute to reinforcing synergies and strengthening a consistent, compelling narrative to respond to violent extremism and terrorist narratives.
Researchers are increasingly recognizing that the destruction of cultural heritage can lead to mass violence and even genocide. By intentionally utilizing sacred sites, communities have the opportunity to promote pluralism, diversity, and respect for different beliefs in a local and sustainable manner. This approach offers a unique pathway to peace.
Sources: Religion Media Centre, Open Global Rights, Institute of Development Studies, United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, Notiones.eu, Holy see geneva.org, UNESCO.org
Featured image: Amin Muhammad Mosque in Gaza, which was destroyed in an Israeli attack on the city of Khan Younis, source: asriran