The Kherson Art Museum Received the Blue Shield

The building of the Oleksiy Shovkunenko Kherson Regional Art Museum has been designated with the international "Blue Shield" protection symbol. From now on, the museum is officially classified as a cultural heritage site that is under special protection under international law in the event of armed conflict.

According to the museum, the “Blue Shield” emblem was introduced in accordance with the Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict, adopted in 1954. The emblem is used to designate sites of exceptional historical, scientific, or artistic value.

<picture></picture>PHOTO: Oleksiy Shovkunenko Kherson Regional Art Museum

The museum notes that the designation officially confirms the site’s status as a cultural monument, makes it easier to identify, and serves as a reminder that the intentional damage or destruction of such sites constitutes a war crime, for which liability is established under international law.

At the same time, the museum emphasizes that it has no illusions that the emblem alone can protect the building from Russian shelling.

“We fully understand that a terrorist state cares nothing for international law, the Hague Conventions, or humanitarian values. No laws have ever stopped Russia, and this blue-and-white emblem on the facade is unlikely to deter yet another enemy missile or shell,” the museum’s statement reads.

The museum noted that Russian troops not only looted its collections during the occupation of Kherson but also continue to damage the historic building itself, which is an architectural landmark from the early 20th century.

The museum’s staff refer to the “Blue Shield” not only as a symbol of protection but also as a tool for documenting war crimes. They emphasize that every new strike against a site marked with this emblem serves as additional evidence of violations of international humanitarian law, which can be used during proceedings in international courts.

Андрій Колісніченко