WATCH aims to accomplish the following objectivities.
1-To enhance, assist and support all activities aimed at the safeguarding of cultural heritage from the dangers caused by armed conflicts.
2-To encourage and assist in an international campaign for the documentation of historic sites and artefacts in each country with the development of an international system of repository sites to keep a copy of national data.
3-To conduct training activities in collaboration with universities and relevant departments in museums, archaeological excavation sites, restoration, and conservation project initiatives.
4-To raise the level of public awareness of cultural heritage and issues of vandalism, before, during and after troubled times
5-To assist relevant parties with contingency planning in order to defend the cultural heritage at risk due to possible conflict situations
6-To cooperate with local and international authorities particularly police, armed forces, border and customs officials to combat illegal trade of cultural heritage artefacts and prevent war time vandalism
7-To support measures and efforts aiming at the peaceful resolution of conflicts leading to violent acts that might endanger cultural heritage and the promotion of sustainable socio-economic development.
8-To create opportunities for dialogue between different cultures or identities, in cooperation with various institutions and organisations involved in such dialogue
9- To create a wealth of expertise derived from its members to assist in the prevention of damage or loss of cultural heritage caused by conflict.
10-Develop scenarios for contingency planning for the protection of the cultural heritage sites and artefacts in risk areas.
11-Disseminate information about cultural heritage sites under threat through organisation of conferences, workshops, exhibitions, and seminars.