UNESCO celebrates 40 years of combating illicit trafficking in cultural property
Paris, 14-15 March 2011
Report
WCO Deputy Secretary General, Sergio Mujica, attended a conference organized by UNESCO in Paris from 14-15 March 2011 to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of UNESCO’s 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property.
On this occasion, experts from UNESCO Member States and relevant international organizations as well as representatives from museums and auction houses reviewed the history of the Convention, its accomplishments and new challenges.
Participants analysed the devastation wrought by trafficking which is rife all around the world, assessed measures currently implemented and proposed ways to improve these at the international and national level.
Mr. Mujica participated in a panel session on illicit trafficking of archaeological objects, where the role and leadership of Customs in protecting cultural heritage was widely recognized.
Conference delegates also appreciated the work that the WCO is doing on natural disaster relief, where Customs administrations, especially in neighbouring countries, play a key role in protecting cultural heritage during times of crisis.