Responsibility for national treasures

According to Decree 92/2002/ND-CP and the Law on Cultural Heritage, national treasures are “artefacts handed down, of special and rare value typical of the country in terms of history, culture, and science ”. These are original, unique artifacts; with unique forms; with typical historical, cultural, and scientific values, representing evidence of a major event or closely associated with the life and career of national heroes and outstanding celebrities; are famous works of art in terms of ideological and humanistic values, aesthetic values, and forms of expression typical of a trend, a style, an era; are typical inventions and creations with high practical value, having the effect of promoting social development in a certain historical period.

Being so important, to be recognized as a National Park, it must go through a very strict procedure and the Prime Minister will issue a decision to recognize it after receiving the assessment of the National Cultural Heritage Council. Clause 3, Article 41a of the Law on Cultural Heritage clearly stipulates that "National Parks are protected and preserved under a special regime".

However, how has the protection of the National Park “under special regime” been implemented in some places? At noon on May 24, 2025, a 43-year-old man showing signs of psychosis entered the Thai Hoa Palace area in the Hue Monuments Complex.

UNESCO recognized World Cultural Heritage, where the Nguyen Dynasty throne is displayed, an artifact recognized as a National Park, jumped on the National Park, shouted, and broke the front left armrest of the throne. The incident lasted for about 15 minutes, but the force responsible for protecting the National Park did not take drastic action to control the subject. It was not until the police arrived that the subject was taken to headquarters.

The incident caused public concern, because it was unexpected that a national hospital could be so easily violated by a person with signs of mental illness. The Government leader immediately issued a document requesting the People's Committee of Hue City to urgently direct the inspection and assessment of the technical status of the national hospital to find solutions for preservation and restoration; organize reviews, draw lessons and handle the responsibilities of related individuals and organizations, to prevent similar cases from happening; conduct a comprehensive review, strengthen the management, security and safety of Hue Monuments and relics, antiquities, the national hospital belonging to Hue Monuments as well as the management of relics in the area; proactively develop plans to prevent, detect early and be ready to stop and handle acts of violation and sabotage.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the People's Committee of Hue City and local authorities will soon be able to determine who is responsible for this extremely unfortunate incident based on legal regulations and working regulations. However, we can confirm that the Nguyen Dynasty throne has not been protected and preserved according to the content of Clause 3, Article 41a of the Law on Cultural Heritage, which is "National Parks are protected and preserved under a special regime". This lesson must be especially remembered and learned by all individuals and organizations working in the field.

Ngo Duc Hanh

Source: https://baophapluat.vn/trach-nhiem-voi-bao-vat-quoc-gia-post549916.html