The Essence of Human Creation threatened by Looting

Considered a foremost cause of criminality in the world today, the illicit traffic of cultural property pervades all regions of our planet. The opening of borders, the increasing number of armed conflicts, poverty, and the exponential growth of the art market are some of the factors accounting for the fact that cultural objects are so avidly coveted. UNESCO and its partners continue to wage the battle against a scourge that undermines the very identity of peoples worldwide. 

• Illicit Traffic of Cultural Property: a scourge that undermines the very identity of peoples
• The 1970 Convention: A pioneering normative instrument for a topical issue
• The Intergovernmental Committee: A forum for negotiation and foresight
• Witnesses to History: A reference book on the return and restitution of cultural objects
• UNESCO Database of National Cultural Heritage Laws: Over 2250 legislative texts from over 175 countries
• Training workshops:  Regional and national meetings around the world
• The 2008 Athens Conference: Understanding and reflecting on the issues
• Memory and Universality: A public debate

Further reading:

• Legal and Practical Measures against Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property
• Promote the Return or the Restitution of Cultural Property
• Museum International N° 241-2 - Return of Cultural Objects: The Athens Conference