The World Heritage Committee,

1. Having examined Document WHC/16/40.COM/7A.Add,
2. Recalling Decisions 37 COM 7B.57, 38 COM 7A.12 and 39 COM 7A.36,adopted at its 37th (Phnom Penh, 2013), 38th (Doha, 2014) and 39th (Bonn, 2015) sessions respectively,
3. Taking into account Decision 40 COM 7A.22 on the World Heritage properties of the Syrian Arab Republic, adopted at its 40th session (Istanbul, 2016),
4. Expresses its great concern at the continuous escalation of the armed conflict and resulting humanitarian crisis and irreversible destruction within the property, including of whole neighbourhoods;
5. Requests that, as soon as access to the property becomes possible, humanitarian and security actions be done in coordination with cultural heritage stakeholders, to avoid further irreversible damages to the property, and allow for undertaking of first-aid measures on its cultural heritage;
6. Considers that before any work is undertaken at the property, detailed studies and extensive field work are required, and also discussions on defining optimal approaches including considerations that go beyond technical issues;
7. Decides to retain the Ancient City of Aleppo (Syrian Arab Republic) on the List of World Heritage in Danger.