This session will explore the critical roles that cultural heritage plays in conflict and crisis situations. The papers will be presented by those researching Cultural Property Protection  and how the notion of CPP in the 1954 Hague Convention and Protocols needs to be reexamined in light of modern conflict and crisis situations. The session will focus on the importance of culture as both a driver of conflict and as instrument of relief and recovery. The session will also explore best practices for communities, heritage professionals and emergency and military personnel to work together in times of conflict and crisis and, more importantly, to mitigate risk from future threats.