Decision 47 COM 7A.36

Hatra (Iraq)

The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Document WHC/25/47.COM/7A,
2. Recalling Decision 46 COM 7A.16, adopted at its 46th session (New Delhi, 2024),
3. Notes the State Party’s efforts to implement previous Committee Decisions and corrective measures to achieve the adopted Desired state of conservation for the removal of the property from the List of World Heritage in Danger;
4. Requests the State Party to continue implementing the corrective measures as a priority, and to seek any necessary further support, in particular for:
   1. Reinforcing site security by installing surveillance cameras,
   2. Repairing damage resulting from conflict (including completing the temporary transport of archaeological finds to be photographed and catalogued, as well as ensuring their adequate storage and protection),
   3. Assessing risks at monuments indirectly impacted by the conflict and addressing vulnerabilities, including through urgent stabilization, diagnostic studies and planning for restoration works at the Temples of Samya, the Triad, and priority interventions at the Temples of Shahiru and Allat,
   4. Preparation of the Conservation Plan for the Temenos area;
5. Reiterates its request to further implement the recommendations of the 2023 Reactive Monitoring mission, in particular addressing the following:
   1. Elaboration of a monitoring programme, coupled with a capacity building programme for its implementation,
   2. Once the Conservation Plan for the Temenos area is prepared, carrying out of the subsequent selection of pilot interventions and their monitoring over time to assess their efficacy,
   3. Prioritization of the preparation of a Site Management Plan that includes requirements related to management, conservation, and visitor management, including additional facilities and services to address increasing tourism,
   4. Preparation of a strategy and allocation of resources for documentation management;
6. Encourages the State Party to consider other projects identified by the recently formed committee from the State Board of Antiquities and Heritage and Nineveh Antiquities and Heritage Inspectorate;
7. Also encourages the State Party to consider the elaboration of a minor boundary modification proposal for the designation of a buffer zone, for added protection of the property, in conformity with paragraphs 163-164 of the Operational Guidelines;
8. Recalls the need for the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, for review by the Advisory Bodies, detailed information on all planned and ongoing works that may have an impact on the Outstanding Universal Value of the property, including Heritage Impact Assessments, prepared in accordance with the Guidance and Toolkit for Impact Assessments in a World Heritage Context, for any major projects, and to do so before making any decisions that will be difficult to reverse, in conformity with Paragraph 172 of the Operational Guidelines;
9. Reiterates its call upon all States Parties to support emergency safeguarding measures, including through the UNESCO Heritage Emergency Fund;
10. Finally requests the State Party to submit to the World Heritage Centre, by 1 February 2026, an updated report on the state of conservation of the property and the implementation of the above, for examination by the World Heritage Committee at its 48th session;
11. Decides to retain Hatra (Iraq) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.