Triples with object I voted in favour of the joint motion for a resolution on the destruction of cultural sites perpetrated by ISIS/Da’esh. The intentional destruction of cultural, archaeological and religious sites by ISIS in Syria and Iraq is deplorable and I welcome the condemnation of this in the joint motion. The joint motion points out that the destruction of cultural sites is used as a weapon of war and that this crime needs to be tackled. Such intentional destruction of cultural sites is unjustifiable whether carried out by ISIS or other non-state or state actors. I welcome calls to extend the international law category of ‘crimes against humanity’ so that it encompasses acts which wilfully damage or destroy the cultural heritage of mankind on a large scale.