The war in Syria has lasted more than eight years and has led to massive destruction and loss of life. The human cost of this conflict is widely considered, in fact, without historical precedent among civil wars. Increasingly, there is doubt that the conflict will reach a resolution or political settlement anytime in the near future, resulting in a growing fatigue and frustration across the international community. This frustration has triggered an appetite among States, civil society and the international community for finite and concrete measures that can contribute to greater protection and compliance with international law.

From this, a number of innovative protection responses have emerged to protect cultural heritage in the conflict which has engulfed Syria and spread to Iraq. In this episode of the podcast, we have Polina Levina from the United Nations in Geneva speaking in her personal capacity as well as our our Forum guest host Ellen Policinski. Hosted by Niki Clark.