Draft Law No. 15331 on Cultural Genocide
Ukraine’s parliament, the Verkhovna Rada, has introduced a bill that would treat the destruction of culture, language, and historical memory as an act of genocide. The proposal amends Article 442 of the Ukrainian Criminal Code. Drafted by lawmakers Mykyta Poturayev and Yevheniya Kravchuk, the legislation adds a new subsection specifically defining what constitutes cultural genocide. This initiative is part of a broader effort to safeguard national identity amid ongoing conflict.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The proposed update to Article 442 of the Criminal Code introduces a clear definition of 'cultural genocide.' Under this definition, the following acts would be covered:
- destruction, damage, or appropriation of tangible and intangible cultural heritage sites;
- systematic denial of access to native language, education, religious practices, and traditions;
- erasure of historical memory or dismantling of cultural institutions.
A critical requirement for prosecution is that these acts must be committed intentionally, with the goal of eliminating a group’s cultural identity as a means of destroying them physically or socially.
Penalties under the proposed law range from 10 to 15 years in prison, with life imprisonment possible in the most serious cases. Incitement to commit such acts would carry a sentence of 3 to 7 years.
The bill follows a major Russian attack on Ukraine on June 15, which heavily targeted Kyiv. A strike caused a fire on the roof of the Dormition Cathedral in the Kyiv Pechersk Lavra, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The blaze inflicted significant damage, and sacred items and liturgical objects were evacuated from the monastery. Emergency restoration work is now underway on the cathedral’s roof.
Draft Law No. 15331 reflects growing alarm in Ukrainian society and government over the protection of cultural heritage during wartime. The initiative aims not only to toughen criminal liability for acts that harm cultural identity but also to establish a legal framework to prevent further crimes against culture. This could mark a vital step in restoring and preserving Ukraine’s cultural legacy, which has suffered enormous losses during the war.
As Ukraine continues to address the impacts of war on its cultural heritage, the introduction of new legislation highlights the urgent need for protection measures. In a related effort, the government has also streamlined access to the eRecovery program for war-damaged heritage sites, ensuring that cultural institutions can receive necessary support for restoration and preservation. This comprehensive approach underscores the importance of safeguarding national identity during these challenging times.