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State of Conservation Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town 2018

Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town

State of Palestine
Factors affecting the property in 2018*
  • Management systems/ management plan
Threats for which the property was inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger

The State Party outlined a series of threats in the nomination file, but none were specified by the World Heritage Committee at the time of inscription

Corrective Measures for the property

Draft submitted by the State Party; to be reviewed by the Advisory Bodies once a Statement of Outstanding Universal Value is approved

Timeframe for the implementation of the corrective measures

Not yet established

UNESCO Extra-Budgetary Funds until 2018

Total amount granted: USD 375,400 from the Government of Sweden for physical rehabilitation

International Assistance: requests for the property until 2018
Requests approved: 1 (from 2018-2018)
Total amount approved : 30,000 USD
2018 Management plan and Conservation Plan for the World ... (Approved)   30,000 USD
Missions to the property until 2018**
Conservation issues presented to the World Heritage Committee in 2018

ON 23 March 2018, the State Party submitted a report on the state of conservation of the property, which is available at https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1565/documents/ and reports the following:

  • The State Party underlines that it has endeavoured to address Decision 41 COM 8B.1, despite challenging circumstances;
  • A proposed Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger (DSOCR) is included with the report, as well as suggested corrective measures, including the preparation and implementation of a comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for the property, involving stakeholders and the local community. The report also provides a proposed Statement of Outstanding Universal Value (SOUV);
  • The State Party expresses concern about the consequences of military occupation, including vandalism, and property damage. There have been unauthorized excavations in Tell Rumeideh, the archaeological site located in buffer zone. The State Party reports that there are five Israeli settlements within the Old Town of Hebron, three within the property and two in the buffer zone. The State Party also indicates that Israel’s Army Minister issued a statement upgrading the status of the Jewish community in Hebron H2 to that of an official settlement, making them eligible to form municipal councils and to receive the same services provided by the Israeli authorities to other West Bank settlements. The State Party has implemented actions and projects to conserve the property, including progress with conservation of Al-Haram Al-Ibrahimi/the Tomb of Patriarchs, completion of the rehabilitation of the infrastructure on Al-Qasaba Main Street, restoration of the Khreisha building, and restoration of the glass factory – Souk Eskafeyyeh. Work has commenced on a programme for beautification of historic façades, the rehabilitation of Amer palace, and rehabilitation of Hosh Abu-Duraan. Regular maintenance of historic buildings continues, and it is proposed that the Hammam Saidna Ibrahim will be rehabilitated as a visitor centre;
  • The State Party also expresses concern at projects, which are not consistent with the OUV of the property, including, in particular, the proposed construction of a neighbourhood for settlers in block No. 34021, Plots 110, and 130, comprising new high-rise buildings of up to 18 metres, which differ from traditional buildings’ form and use concrete and stone, rather than vernacular materials;
  • The State Party strongly asserts its commitment to implementing all possible measures to conserve and sustain the property and to enhance the living conditions of the local community.
Analysis and Conclusion by World Heritage Centre and the Advisory Bodies in 2018

The property was simultaneously inscribed on the World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger through Decision 41 COM 8B.1, in accordance with paragraphs 161 and 162 of the Operational Guidelines, on the basis that the Committee concluded that the property unquestionably justifies criteria (ii), (iv) and (vi), as well as conditions of integrity and authenticity, but is faced with serious threats, which could have deleterious effects on its inherent characteristics for which an immediate action by the World Heritage Committee is needed.

At its 41st session in 2017, the World Heritage Committee did not adopt a proposed SOUV in line with Paragraph 154 of the Operational Guidelines. The State Party has submitted a proposed SOUV with its state of conservation report. As no ICOMOS field visit was possible before inscription and as subsequently ICOMOS has not been able to undertake a mission, it has not been possible to assess the proposed SOUV in terms of its defined attributes. In these circumstances, it is suggested to undertake a meeting with the State Party for coordination and technical advice. This meeting could consider the SOUV, the proposed DSOCR, related corrective measures and a timeframe for their implementation, and the process for the elaboration of Management Plan.

The efforts of the State Party to begin the preparation of a comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan for the property should be commended, as should the conservation works that have been completed or are in progress. Furthermore, on 16 May 2018, a revised International Assistance Request for the funding of preparatory studies for the elaboration of a Management Plan has been submitted to the World Heritage Centre. It will be implemented in close collaboration with the World Heritage Centre, UNESCO Ramallah Office and the Advisory Bodies.

It is crucial that, as circumstances permit, the processes for managing conservation and development projects at the property should include preparation of Heritage Impact Assessments (HIAs) in accordance with the 2011 ICOMOS Guidance on HIAs for Cultural World Heritage Properties.

It is regrettable that the situation on the ground has deteriorated since the inscription of the property. Recognising the challenging circumstances at the property, it would nevertheless be desirable that the State Party submit details of all significant current conservation and development projects to the World Heritage Centre, for review by the Advisory Bodies in accordance with Paragraph 172 of the Operational Guidelines.

Summary of the interventions
Decisions adopted by the Committee in 2018
42 COM 7A.28
Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town (Palestine) (C 1565)

The World Heritage Committee,

  1. Having considered Document WHC/18/42.COM/7A.Add2 and the annex attached to this decision,
  2. Recalling Decision 41 COM 8B.1, adopted at its 41st session (Krakow, 2017),
  3. Decides that the status of Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town relating to the World Heritage List remains unchanged as reflected in Decision 41 COM 8B.1 of the last World Heritage Committee.

ANNEX

The World Heritage Committee

42nd session of the Committee (42 COM)

  1. Having considered Document WHC/18/42.COM/7A.Add.2;
  2. Recalling Decision 41 COM 8B.1, adopted at its 41st session (Krakow, 2017), which did not include a SOUV, and noting that in compliance with Paragraph 154 of the Operational Guidelines, when deciding to inscribe a property on the World Heritage List, guided by the Advisory Bodies, the Committee adopts a SOUV for the property,
  3. Taking note of a preliminary proposed SOUV contained in the state of conservation report submitted by the State Party,
  4. Requests the Advisory Bodies and the World Heritage Centre to work with the State Party in the framework of the International Assistance project on the Management Plan to finalize this SOUV;
  5. Notes that a proposed Statement of Outstanding Universal Value (SOUV) was submitted by the State Party, as none was adopted at the 41st session, also notes that no ICOMOS field visit to the property was possible before inscription, and, as the current situation still does not permit any missions, proposes that a meeting be organized for representatives of the World Heritage Centre and ICOMOS to discuss with the State Party the proposed SOUV, the Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger (DSOCR), related corrective measures and a timeframe for their implementation;
  6. Decides to consider the examination of a draft SOUV for the property at its 43rd session in 2019;
  7. Commends the State Party for the actions which are being taken to conserve significant attributes of the Property;
  8. Welcomes efforts to begin the preparation of a Management Plan, and requests the State Party to work in close coordination with the World Heritage Centre, UNESCO Ramallah Office and the Advisory Bodies in the implementation of the International Assistance Request regarding the preparatory studies for the elaboration of a Management Plan for the property;
  9. Further requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, for review by the Advisory Bodies, detailed information on current conservation and development projects, particularly projects which have potential adverse impact on heritage, in accordance with Paragraph 172 of the Operational Guidelines;
  10. Requests furthermore the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2019, an updated report on the state of conservation of the property and the implementation of the above, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 43rd session in 2019;
  11. Also decides to retain Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town (Palestine) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Read more
42 COM 8C.2
Update of the List of World Heritage in Danger (Retained Properties)

The World Heritage Committee,

  1. Having examined the state of conservation reports of properties inscribed on the List of World Heritage in Danger (WHC/18/42.COM/7A, WHC/18/42.COM/7A.Add and WHC/18/42.COM/7A.Add.2),
  2. Decides to retain the following properties on the List of World Heritage in Danger:
  • Afghanistan, Cultural Landscape and Archaeological Remains of the Bamiyan Valley (Decision 42 COM 7A.1)
  • Afghanistan, Minaret and Archaeological Remains of Jam (Decision 42 COM 7A.2)
  • Austria, Historic Centre of Vienna (Decision 42 COM 7A.5)
  • Bolivia (Plurinational State of), City of Potosí (Decision 42 COM 7A.8)
  • Central African Republic, Manovo-Gounda St Floris National Park (Decision 42 COM 7A.45)
  • Chile, Humberstone and Santa Laura Saltpeter Works (Decision 42 COM 7A.9)
  • Côte d'Ivoire / Guinea, Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve (Decision 42 COM 7A.46)
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo, Garamba National Park (Decision 42 COM 7A.47)
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kahuzi-Biega National Park (Decision 42 COM 7A.48)
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo, Okapi Wildlife Reserve (Decision 42 COM 7A.49)
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo, Salonga National Park (Decision 42 COM 7A.50)
  • Democratic Republic of the Congo, Virunga National Park (Decision 42 COM 7A.51)
  • Egypt, Abu Mena (Decision 42 COM 7A.17)
  • Honduras, Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve (Decision 42 COM 7A.44)
  • Indonesia, Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra (Decision 42 COM 7A.40)
  • Iraq, Ashur (Qal'at Sherqat) (Decision 42 COM 7A.18)
  • Iraq, Hatra (Decision 42 COM 7A.19)
  • Iraq, Samarra Archaeological City (Decision 42 COM 7A.20)
  • Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls (site proposed by Jordan) (Decision 42 COM 7A.21)
  • Libya, Archaeological Site of Cyrene (Decision 42 COM 7A.22)
  • Libya, Archaeological Site of Leptis Magna (Decision 42 COM 7A.23)
  • Libya, Archaeological Site of Sabratha (Decision 42 COM 7A.24)
  • Libya, Old Town of Ghadamès (Decision 42 COM 7A.25)
  • Libya, Rock-Art Sites of Tadrart Acacus (Decision 42 COM 7A.26)
  • Madagascar, Rainforests of the Atsinanana (Decision 42 COM 7A.53)
  • Mali, Old Towns of Djenné (Decision 42 COM 7A.13)
  • Mali, Timbuktu (Decision 42 COM 7A.14)
  • Mali, Tomb of Askia (Decision 42 COM 7A.15)
  • Micronesia (Federated States of), Nan Madol: Ceremonial Centre of Eastern Micronesia (Decision 42 COM 7A.3)
  • Niger, Aïr and Ténéré Natural Reserves (Decision 42 COM 7A.54)
  • Palestine, Birthplace of Jesus: Church of the Nativity and the Pilgrimage Route, Bethlehem (Decision 42 COM 7A.27)
  • Palestine, Palestine: Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern Jerusalem, Battir (Decision 42 COM 7A.29)
  • Palestine, Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town (Decision 42 COM 7A.28)
  • Panama, Fortifications on the Caribbean Side of Panama: Portobelo-San Lorenzo (Decision 42 COM 7A.10)
  • Peru, Chan Chan Archaelogical Zone (Decision 42 COM 7A.11)
  • Senegal, Niokolo-Koba National Park (Decision 42 COM 7A.55)
  • Serbia, Medieval Monuments in Kosovo (Decision 42 COM 7A.6)
  • Solomon Islands, East Rennell (Decision 42 COM 7A.41)
  • Syrian Arab Republic, Ancient City of Aleppo (Decision 42 COM 7A.30)
  • Syrian Arab Republic, Ancient City of Bosra (Decision 42 COM 7A.31)
  • Syrian Arab Republic, Ancient City of Damascus (Decision 42 COM 7A.32)
  • Syrian Arab Republic, Ancient Villages of Northern Syria (Decision 42 COM 7A.33)
  • Syrian Arab Republic, Crac des Chevaliers and Qal’at Salah El-Din (Decision 42 COM 7A.34)
  • Syrian Arab Republic, Site of Palmyra (Decision 42 COM 7A.35)
  • Uganda, Tombs of Buganda Kings at Kasubi (Decision 42 COM 7A.16)
  • United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, Liverpool – Maritime Mercantile City (Decision 42 COM 7A.7)
  • United Republic of Tanzania, Selous Game Reserve (Decision 42 COM 7A.56)
  • United States of America, Everglades National Park (Decision 42 COM 7A.42)
  • Uzbekistan, Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz (Decision 42 COM 7A.4)
  • Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Coro and its Port (Decision 42 COM 7A.12)
  • Yemen, Historic Town of Zabid (Decision 42 COM 7A.37)
  • Yemen, Old City of Sana’a (Decision 42 COM 7A.38)
  • Yemen, Old Walled City of Shibam (Decision 42 COM 7A.39)
Read more
Draft Decision: 42 COM 7A.28

Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town (Palestine)

 

The World Heritage Committee,

  1. Having considered Document WHC/18/42.COM/7A.Add.2 and the annex attached to this decision,
  2. Recalling Decision 41 COM 8B.1, adopted at its 41st session (Krakow, 2017),
  3. Decides that the status of Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town relating to the World Heritage List remains unchanged as reflected in Decision 41 COM 8B.1 of the last World Heritage Committee.

 

 

 

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ANNEX

The World Heritage Committee

42nd session of the Committee (42 COM)

  1. Having considered Document WHC/18/42.COM/7A.Add.2;
  2. Recalling Decision 41 COM 8B.1, adopted at its 41st session (Krakow, 2017), which did not include a SOUV, and noting that in compliance with Paragraph 154 of the Operational Guidelines, when deciding to inscribe a property on the World Heritage List, guided by the Advisory Bodies, the Committee adopts a SOUV for the property,
  3. Taking note of a preliminary proposed SOUV contained in the state of conservation report submitted by the State Party,
  4. Requests the Advisory Bodies and the World Heritage Centre to work with the State Party in the framework of the International Assistance project on the Management Plan to finalize this SOUV;
  5. Notes that a proposed Statement of Outstanding Universal Value (SOUV) was submitted by the State Party, as none was adopted at the 41st session, also notes that no ICOMOS field visit to the property was possible before inscription, and, as the current situation still does not permit any missions, proposes that a meeting be organized for representatives of the World Heritage Centre and ICOMOS to discuss with the State Party the proposed SOUV, the Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger (DSOCR), related corrective measures and a timeframe for their implementation;
  6. Decides to consider the examination of a draft SOUV for the property at its 43rd session in 2019;
  7. Commends the State Party for the actions which are being taken to conserve significant attributes of the Property;
  8. Welcomes efforts to begin the preparation of a Management Plan, and requests the State Party to work in close coordination with the World Heritage Centre, UNESCO Ramallah Office and the Advisory Bodies in the implementation of the International Assistance Request regarding the preparatory studies for the elaboration of a Management Plan for the property;
  9. Further requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, for review by the Advisory Bodies, detailed information on current conservation and development projects, particularly projects which have potential adverse impact on heritage, in accordance with Paragraph 172 of the Operational Guidelines;
  10. Requests furthermore the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2019, an updated report on the state of conservation of the property and the implementation of the above, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 43rd session in 2019;
  11. Also decides to retain Hebron/Al-Khalil Old Town (Palestine) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.
Next 2019
Report year: 2018
State of Palestine
Date of Inscription: 2017
Category: Cultural
Criteria: (ii)(iv)(vi)
Danger List (dates): 2017-present
Documents examined by the Committee
WHC/18/42.COM/7A.Add2
SOC Report by the State Party
Report (2018) .pdf
arrow_circle_right 42COM (2018)
Exports
Next 2019

* : The threats indicated are listed in alphabetical order; their order does not constitute a classification according to the importance of their impact on the property.
Furthermore, they are presented irrespective of the type of threat faced by the property, i.e. with specific and proven imminent danger (“ascertained danger”) or with threats which could have deleterious effects on the property’s Outstanding Universal Value (“potential danger”).

** : All mission reports are not always available electronically.


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