UN Security Council
2017

cultural heritage as well as raising public awareness about illicit trafficking of cultural property and its prevention; (j) Taking appropriate steps to inventory cultural property and other items of archaeological, historical, cultural, rare scientific and religious importance which have been illegally removed, displaced or transferred from armed conflic t areas, and coordinate with relevant UN entities and international actors, in order to ensure the safe return of all listed items; 18. Encourages Members States, relevant United Nations entities, in accordance with their existing mandate, and internation al actors in a position to do so to provide assistance in demining of cultural sites and objects upon request of affected States; 19. Affirms that the mandate of United Nations peacekeeping operations, when specifically mandated by the Security Council and in accordance with their rules of engagement, may encompass, as appropriate, assisting relevant authorities, upon their request, in the protection of cultural heritage from destruction, illicit excavation, looting and smuggling in the context of armed conflicts, in collaboration with UNESCO, and that such operations should operate carefully