CILIPS statement – Gaza and Israel

Category: News

CILIPS have joined our colleagues at CILIP in standing in solidarity with, and supporting, the call from the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) for the respect of international humanitarian law and the protection and safety of civilians, journalists, and cultural heritage in Gaza and Israel – https://www.ifla.org/news/gaza-israel-appeal/ 

The unfolding humanitarian crisis in the region bears a heavy reminder that in the face of conflict, it is innocent life that suffers the most. We wish to express our condolences and solidarity with our colleagues, library professionals, and all people who are suffering incomprehensible loss and pain at this time.

Calling for immediate humanitarian aid is of the highest priority. We implore all parties to uphold respect for human rights and dignity, in line with international law, and find a pathway to peace.

CILIPS also joins colleagues in expressing concern for the destruction of libraries, their collections, and cultural property of all kinds in the face of this and other conflicts across the world. Cultural property and the spaces, sites, and institutions which safeguard it offer an irreplaceable record of our shared cultural heritage and this should be respected.