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Robben Island (South Africa)

Document type
Decision
Reference number
VIII.C.1
Date
Nov 29, 1999
Source
UNEP, InforMEA
Status
Active
Subject
Wild species & ecosystems
Treaty
Convention concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (Nov 23, 1972)
Meeting
23e session du Comité
Website
whc.unesco.org
Abstract

Property: Robben Island

Id. N°: 916

State Party: South Africa

Criteria: C (iii) (vi)

The Committee inscribed this property on the World Heritage List on the basis of criteria (iii) and (vi):

Criterion (iii): The buildings of Robben Island bear eloquent witness to its sombre history.

Criterion (vi): Robben Island and its prison buildings symbolize the triumph of the human spirit, of freedom, and of democracy over oppression.

Many members of the Committee expressed their pleasure and emotion and congratulated South Africa for having proposed this site which symbolizes the fight against oppression, the victory of democracy as well as the process of national reconciliation.

Over and over again the members of the Committee paid homage to the vision of President Mandela. The Delegate of Thailand considered that criterion (vi) could be amended during the session so that the inscription of the site would be possible only under this criterion.

The Committee took note of the need to discuss the amendments that could be proposed under criterion (vi).

The Chairperson expressed satisfaction with this inscription and considered that this decision has been taken on the African ground was an honour for Morocco. The Delegate of South Africa expressed her appreciation for the Committee's decision (see Annex VII to this report).