Darwin's Archives and Geneva Conventions Join UNESCO's Memory of the World Register
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Synopsis
The documentary heritage associated with Charles Darwin, the UDHR, and the Geneva Conventions is now included in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register. This recognition highlights their significance in documenting human rights and scientific evolution.
Key Takeaways
- Charles Darwin's archives are now part of UNESCO's Memory of the World Register.
- The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is included.
- The Geneva Conventions have been recognized for their role in limiting war brutality.
- 74 new collections have been added, bringing the total to 570.
- The nomination showcases global contributions to heritage.
New Delhi, April 19 (NationPress) The documentary heritage associated with the life and contributions of naturalist Charles Darwin, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) endorsed by the UN in 1948, and the Geneva Conventions that establish key regulations aimed at mitigating war crimes are now included in UNESCO's Memory of the World Register.
Among the newly added collections, 14 are related to scientific documentary heritage.
The archives of Darwin, the literary estate of German philosopher, poet, and composer Friedrich Nietzsche, and significant radiographs from the Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen estate have now earned a spot in this prestigious registry.
The global organization has inscribed 74 new documentary heritage collections into its Memory of the World Register, increasing the total number of collections to 570.
Darwin's theory of evolution through natural selection transformed our understanding of both nature and humanity's role within it.
“A remarkable collection documenting Darwin's professional life is preserved across several institutions, including Cambridge University Library, English Heritage (Down House), the Natural History Museum, the Linnean Society, the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew, and the John Murray Archive at the National Library of Scotland,”
UNESCO stated in its citation regarding the new inscriptions.
These collections include early photographs, correspondence, and notebooks that capture his early research during the Beagle voyage, initial speculations on the species theory, extensive observations and experiments, collaborations, and the complex reception of his work.
This nomination was proposed by the United Kingdom. Additionally, several landmark treaties representing major milestones of multilateralism have also been included in the register.
Numerous collections highlight significant moments in international cooperation, including the Geneva Conventions (1864-1949) and their protocols (1977-2005), the UDHR, and the 1991 Windhoek Declaration, a global benchmark for press freedom, as stated by UNESCO on Thursday.
“The Geneva Conventions (1864, 1906, 1929, 1949) and their Additional Protocols (1977, 2005) are international treaties establishing fundamental rules to limit the brutality of war. They safeguard all individuals not participating in hostilities — such as civilians, medical staff, and humanitarian organizations — as well as those no longer in combat, including the wounded, sick, shipwrecked, and prisoners of war,”
UNESCO noted in its citation.
“As a cornerstone of international humanitarian law, the Geneva Conventions embody the commitment of States Parties to protect those affected by armed conflicts.”
“Switzerland acts as the depository and is responsible for maintaining the original documents,” it added.
This nomination was submitted by Switzerland.
The drafting of the International Bill of Human Rights -- UN Archives and UN Official Documents -- from 1946 to 1966 is also among the latest additions to the UNESCO register.
“For the first time ever, in 1948, countries reached a consensus on a comprehensive list of inalienable and indivisible human rights. In December of that year, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), a pivotal document that profoundly influenced the evolution of international human rights law,”
its citation reads.
Drafted by representatives from diverse legal and cultural backgrounds worldwide, it was proclaimed by the General Assembly as a common standard of achievement for all peoples and nations.
Entries on scientific revolutions, women's historical contributions, and significant milestones in multilateralism from 72 countries and four international organizations are included in the register, according to UNESCO.
The register consists of books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, sound, or video recordings as a documentary heritage of humanity.
This development coincides with World Heritage Day on April 18.
This year's theme for World Heritage Day is “Heritage under threat from disaster and conflicts,” focusing on raising awareness about protecting heritage sites from natural or manmade disasters, threats, or conflicts.
Ithaf Al-Mahbub, submitted by Egypt, documents the Arab world's contributions to astronomy, planetary motions, celestial bodies, and astrological analysis during the first millennium of our era, UNESCO stated.
Discovered in 1911 in Sri Lanka by a British engineer, Trilingual Inscription is now housed in the Colombo National Museum, with a replica displayed in the Galle National Museum. The nomination was submitted by China and Sri Lanka.
