The Röerich Pact and the Peace Flag were created and promulgated by Nicholas Röerich for the protection of the Treasures of Human Genius. It proposes that educational, artistic, religious and scientific institutions, as well as all places of cultural significance, be considered inviolable, and respected by all nations in times of war and peace.
The Flag of Peace is the symbol of the Röerich Pact. This great humanitarian ideal provides, in the field of cultural achievements of mankind, the same coverage as that of the Red Cross by alleviating man’s physical suffering. Thus, in the Pact and in the old and respected symbol of the Flag, are symbolized all the most cherished, most passionate hopes and visions for man.
In the same year that Roerich created the Pact for the Protection of Cultural Treasures, the First International Convention dedicated to the Röerich Pact and the Flag of Peace was held in Bruges, Belgium.
In 1933, the Third Convention was held in Washington. Representatives from 35 countries participated, all approving the Pact. On April 15, 1935, the Pact was signed at the White House, in the presence of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, by the representatives of twenty-one North, Central, and South American Governments, including Brazil.
The Cultural Treasures Protection Pact is necessary not only as an official regulation but also as an educational law which, from the earliest days in school, should imbue the new generation with the noble idea of keeping the true treasures of mankind.
Source: Roerich
