The members of the International National Trusts Organisation (INTO) are deeply saddened by the destruction of irreplaceable and universally significant cultural heritage and condemn the actions of ISIS in the strongest possible terms. We stand together with other international guardians of our cultural heritage, such as ICOMOS (International Council on Monuments and Sites), in seeking an end to this insanity.
While the full extent of damage is not yet known and acknowledging the important human tragedies taking place, we call upon the civilised world to join us in speaking out against the destruction of our global cultural heritage, which is a clear crime against all humanity: generations past, present and future.
We also commit to urging national governments that have not yet ratified the Hague Convention on the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict to do so at the earliest possible opportunity.