The consequences of war destruction in the 19th century: the beginning of the protection of cultural heritage as a safeguard of human rights

The 19th century marks a breaking point in global history: industrialisation, urbanisation and the consolidation of nation-states bring about radical changes not only in socio-economic dynamics, but also in the management of armed conflicts. Technological innovations exponentially increase the destructiveness of war, imposing new reflections on the treatment of the wounded and the preservation of cultural heritage. The progressive humanisation of war, promoted through initiatives such as the First Geneva Convention of 1864, extended over time to the protection of cultural heritage, culminating in the creation of dedicated international legal instruments, up to the establishment of various international organisations in the 20th century. The paper aims to highlight, through a historical excursus, how the protection of cultural heritage is not only an aesthetic necessity but also, and above all, an element of identity, an essential element for the defence of human rights and the building of lasting peace. Analysing these developments allows us to understand the central role that the protection of cultural heritage plays in current international human rights law and in policies promoting intercultural dialogue.