Mission

As the Red Cross intervenes in favour of endangered human beings, the Blue Shield is committed to the protection of cultural and natural heritage. The symbol of the blue shield was adopted by the Hague Convention (1954) for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.

Blue Shield Belgium is one of the national committees of Blue Shield International, founded in 1996 by the four non-governmental organizations of UNESCO for cultural heritage :

The goals of Blue Shield Belgium are (as described in our Statutes, published in the Belgian Official Journal on 21 December 2023) :

• Supporting the actions of The Blue Shield.
• Protection of cultural and natural heritage, -material and intangible-, in case of armed conflict or emergency.
• Respect for the principles of joint action, independence, neutrality, professionalism, cultural identity and diversity and this independently of any political, ideological, philosophical, religious or linguistic consideration.
• Promote the ratification and implementation as well as respect for the Hague Convention and its Protocols.
• Support governments and partners in prevention, preparedness, professional training and intervention in case of emergencies with harmful effects on cultural heritage.​
• In the event of an emergency situation and/or armed conflict outside Belgian territory, the association can make its know-how and experts available at the request of national or international authorities or on its own initiative.
  

   

  Blue Shield’s mission and goals with respect to cultural property protection (CPP) in the event of armed conflict and natural/human-made disasters are delivered through six areas of activity:

  1. Proactive protection and risk preparedness;
  2. Emergency repsonse;
  3. Stabilisation, post-disaster recovery, and long-term/ongoing support activities;
  4. Legal compliance, policy, and their implementation;
  5. Capacity building activities, and education and training in support of the Blue Shield’s Areas of Activity;
  6. Coordination of Blue Shield members and with partner organisations.