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UNESCO promotes an open and inclusive dialogue on the return and restitution of cultural property
Organized in consultation with the , the day reaffirmed UNESCO's central role in this field, notably through the ICPRCP Committee and the governing bodies of the Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, whose work it will feed into.
Return and restitution are not the end of a process, but the beginning of a relationship based on broader, forward-looking cooperation. With the return of objects, we are above all awakening potential. The issue of return and restitution should therefore help to support ambitious cultural and scientific cooperation projects.
Ten examples of successful returns or restitutions from around the world were jointly presented by experts from both sides of the debate. These cases, involving various stakeholders such as private individuals, institutions and States, highlighted the diversity of new forms of agreement and partnership with a view to the return or restitution of these assets.
In this context, the long-term impact of these processes between States was highlighted, as well as the fruitful cooperation around these cases, strengthening cultural diplomacy and exchanges, leading to the signing of broader bilateral agreements, the provision of technical support or training for professionals, even in the absence of a legal obligation to return property.
Two dialogue sessions focusing on museums and cooperation between police forces, customs and judicial authorities also highlighted the role of these key professionals in this field at national, regional and international level. The speakers reiterated the need for cooperation, close dialogue and the support of international organizations in order to find ways and means of finding a solution that satisfies all stakeholders.
This first round table is in line with the Declaration unanimously adopted by 150 States at the UNESCO World Conference on Cultural Policies and Sustainable Development - MONDIACULT - in Mexico in September 2022, calling for an open and inclusive international dialogue on the return and restitution of cultural property. A summary report of this event will be published shortly, transcribing the rich presentations and discussions of the day.
To find out more about UNESCO's work on the return and restitution of cultural property:
- Programme of the event
- Governing bodies of the 1970 Convention
UNESCO supports its Member States in requests for the return and restitution of cultural property through technical assistance and, as part of the fight against illicit trafficking, capacity-building activities for professionals, support for the development of museums and raising public awareness. Supporting museums and museum professionals with regard to requests for the return and restitution of cultural property is one of the main thrusts of UNESCO's Global Priority Africa "Fostering cultural heritage and capacity development".
