The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) released a statement on March 20, 2026 outlining the organization’s concern and stance on recent events affecting Iran, the Gulf Region, and the Eastern Mediterranean.
The full statement is quoted below:
In light of increasing hostilities affecting Iran, the Gulf Region and the Eastern Mediterranean, the International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions (IFLA) expresses deep concern for the growing humanitarian impact and the heightened risks to the region’s rich and diverse cultural heritage.
IFLA is monitoring the situation together with our members in affected areas, and with partners across the international cultural sector, including UNESCO. In line with our mandate, we express serious concern for the wellbeing and safety of library staff, and users, as well as for the collections and facilities they protect, steward, and enjoy. Libraries play a vital role in the realisation of human rights, including the rights to access information and participate in cultural life. The destruction of libraries, their collections, and other cultural sites – whether through damage, destruction, or displacement – is a loss to all humankind.
We are therefore alarmed by reports of damage to cultural sites, as confirmed by UNESCO. as well as reports of damage to educational institutions. In line with the Declaration on the protection of archives, libraries, museums and heritage places during armed conflicts and political instability, IFLA calls on all parties to uphold their commitments to protect cultural heritage. Namely, we call on all parties to comply with their obligations under the 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict and its Protocols.
Culture is an essential element for recovery, resilience, and for promoting peace. Our stories, creativity, research, and imagination are powerful tools for building understanding and connection. For these reasons, the world’s libraries – and the people who sustain them – must be protected so that they may continue to serve their communities and strengthen societies both now and in the future.
The Hague, 20 March 2026
IFLA provides additional context for how and why they craft these statements on the statement’s page. If you are curious about IFLA’s work in cultural heritage more generally their page, “Promoting and safeguarding culture and heritage,” outlines the Federation’s practices as well as provides links to additional projects and resources.
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This post was produced through a cooperation between Amy Gay, Abbie Norris-Davidson, Mariam Ismail, Carrie Pirmann, Trip Kirkpatrick, and Mimosa Shah (Editors-at-Large), Ruth Carpenter, Hillary Richardson, and Caitlin Christian-Lamb (Editors for the week), Claudia Berger, Molly McGuire, Nickoal Eichmann-Kalwara, Linsey Ford, Pamella Lach, Christine Salek, and Rachel Starry (dh+lib Review Editors), and Tom Lee (Technical Editor).