In Ukraine, UNESCO exhibits the impact of war on culture and media
Since the full-scale invasion by the Russian Federation in February 2022, Ukraine's cultural landscape has suffered greatly, with 375 cultural sites verified as damaged by UNESCO. The destruction of the Ukrainian cultural sector is tragic, not only due to its historical significance and value, but also because of its central role in fostering identity, belonging and unity within Ukraine.
However, documenting damage to Ukrainian cultural heritage is made challenging by the significant risks journalists face in reporting from an active conflict zone. According to UNESCO’s Observatory of Killed Journalists, fourteen journalists have been killed in the line of work since the onset of the war, with many more injured. Additionally, the media sector is facing severe economic challenges, including due to the collapse of advertising revenues.
Recognizing the pivotal role of journalism and the importance of supporting it, UNESCO trained 65 photojournalists, among them 34 men and 31 women, from across Ukraine in safety procedures, photographic skills and understanding UNESCO’s cultural mandate.
Amidst the darkness of conflict, we must remain evermore steadfast in our mandate to safeguard freedom of expression and ensure the safety of journalists, who are the guardians of this right, bringing access to information to audiences around the world.
The material produced by the photojournalists covers over 67 damaged cultural sites including religious sites, museums and libraries from more than 10 regions. The photojournalists also produced 10 stories showcasing the diversity and resilience of the sector.
The results of this project were shown during an exhibition at the Khanenko National Museum of Arts in Kyiv, to shine a light on the dedication of Ukrainian photographers, photojournalists and war reporters. The exhibition was open for two weeks and welcomed a total of over 3000 visitors, including through guided visits in English and Ukrainian.
This programme was supported by the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund, a multi-donor funding mechanism which was established to respond quickly and effectively to crises resulting from armed conflicts and disasters.
The opening of the exhibit was held jointly by UNESCO, the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine and the Embassy of Japan on 3 May, World Press Freedom Day, and attended by 150 people. During two panel discussions, speakers debated the cross-cutting challenges of the culture and media sectors and safety threats faced by journalists.
Oleksandra Stepanowa, Executive Director of the Human Rights Platform introduced its new report “Journalists in the Midst of Full-Scale War – Report on Ukraine”, which received funding from the International Programme for the Development of Communication (IPDC). The report provides a comprehensive study of the safety of journalists in Ukraine and addresses recommendations to different stakeholder groups.
Mykola Tymchenko, correspondent for Rubryka and Skhidny, reflected on his photojournalism assignment documenting damages to the Ascension Church in Kyiv Oblast.
“Cultural heritage is incredibly important, it is built over years through the labor of thousands of people and often lasts for centuries, but can be destroyed in seconds.”
11.07.2023. Archimandrite Ioan (Shevchenko), the dean of the Ascension Church in Bobryk village, Kyiv Oblast, looking at the damaged interior walls of the church.
Artem Lystopad, news correspondent from Kharkiv oblast, captured damages to the former women’s gymnasium in Izyum caused by shelling in March 2022, resulting in a fire and the collapse of the roof and the second floor.
“We will realize the true value of the current period of history only after some time – decades must pass. Accordingly, if we want to preserve the memory of us as a nation in the future, we simply have to devote a lot of time and effort not only to fixing the consequences of damage or destruction of cultural heritage, but also to create a new, modern one.”
Equipped with the skills from the UNESCO-IMI trainings, these journalists have diligently recorded the state of Ukraine’s cultural landscape. From documenting the scars on historic landmarks to showcasing the perseverance of cultural practitioners amidst war, they serve as custodians of memory amidst turmoil.
25.07.2023, West façade of the former women’s gymnasium compared to a printed photo from 2021.
Hanna Balakyr, Ukrainian journalist from Kyiv, reflects on her work documenting the damage of Chernihiv City Council in the Chernihiv region.
“Documenting the damage caused to cultural heritage is necessary to create an overall picture of the consequences of hostilities in Ukraine, as well as for the further fate of each individual site – the creation of its history, preservation in memory and reconstruction”.
21.09.2023 The second floor of the Chernihiv City Council, was damaged by an airstrike on February 27, 2022, according to the Chernihiv Oblast Administration.
Ukrainian photojournalists document damage to the culture sector
Oksana Romaniuk, Executive Director of IMI, underscores the project’s mission to reveal the unseen impacts of war on cultural heritage and the enduring vitality of Ukrainian cultural life:
“This project wasn't just about taking pictures; it was a deep dive into how the heart of Ukraine's culture beats, even in the toughest times. The project was all about showing off the unseen - the impacts of war on cultural spots and the undying spark of Ukrainian cultural life. For journalists who participated in the project, it was a mission to capture what’s at stake and how culture keeps shining, no matter what.”
The material produced within this initiative serves as a vital foundation for future reconstruction efforts and raises awareness of the war’s impact on the Ukrainian cultural sector.
More about
This project is supported by the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund, a multi-donor and non-earmarked funding mechanism which was established by UNESCO in 2015 to enable the Organization to respond quickly and effectively to crises resulting from armed conflicts and disasters caused by natural and human-made hazards all over the world.
The exhibition and opening event on World Press Freedom Day was supported by the People of Japan. The exhibition was curated by Port Agency in cooperation with Khanenko Museum.
It also aligns with the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, aimed at creating a free and safe environment for journalists and media workers worldwide, thus strengthening peace, democracy and sustainable development.
UNESCO thanks the donors of its Heritage Emergency Fund: the Qatar Fund for Development, the Government of Canada, the Kingdom of Norway, the French Republic, the Principality of Monaco, ANA Holdings INC, the Republic of Estonia, the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the Slovak Republic, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Principality of Andorra, the Republic of Serbia.
