CBRL statement on the current situation in the Levant

Updated November 2024

CBRL and its Board of Trustees expresses profound sorrow in the face of the current violence in the region.  Civilians continue to bear the brunt, resulting in an overwhelming, deplorable loss of life. We condemn all acts of violence against civilians.

We call for the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure to be unwaveringly respected, and for all parties involved to adhere to their responsibilities under international humanitarian and human rights law. This includes enabling aid to reach those who have lost their homes and livelihoods, and the sick and injured.

As a learned society, we advocate for the protection of educational infrastructure, and the safeguarding of teachers and students. We urge for the protection of tangible and intangible cultural heritage, including the safeguarding of staff and infrastructure associated with cultural institutions, archaeological/historical sites, museums, libraries, and archives.

We continue to support and advise staff, partners and colleagues in the region in conditions of personal, physical and intellectual adversity.

We join in the urgent calls for the opening of an essential path to a just resolution.