According to the Organization’s website, this document presents a diagnosis of the current legal and legislative situation relating to the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural property in Arab countries, as well as an analysis of international experiences and national legislation, presenting a solid legal framework for the protection of cultural property, in order to strengthen the legislative mechanisms in this area within ICESCO member states.
Developed by ICESCO’s Department of Legal Affairs and International Standards, this study reflects the Organization’s commitment to protecting cultural heritage and strengthening the laws needed to combat the growing threats related to the illicit trafficking of cultural property.
It also aims to provide practical solutions to strengthen the legal and institutional capacities of Arab countries, in light of the growing challenges due to weak national legislation, wars and conflicts, as well as a lack of awareness of the importance of this precious heritage.
Furthermore, the study will promote the exchange of experiences and coordination between countries regarding best legislative practices, while filling gaps in national laws, with a view to providing a solid legal framework that strengthens efforts to protect cultural property and the capacities of countries to address current and future threats.
This study is part of the project “ICESCO Strategy for Combating Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property in the Islamic World”, adopted at the 12th Conference of Ministers of Culture of the Islamic World, held in September 2023 in Doha.
ICESCO’s strategy is based on three main axes, namely legislative mechanisms and necessary legal guarantees, executive mechanisms related to maintenance, restoration and protection, as well as international cooperation to ensure the recovery of assets and the prosecution of criminals.
Further studies focusing on ICESCO member countries in the Asian and African regions will also be developed, so that the organization has completed the first axis of its strategy to combat illicit trafficking of cultural property, while strengthening its ongoing efforts to provide comprehensive support for combating threats to cultural property and to promote the preservation of the identities of the peoples of the Islamic world, as well as their cultural values.
2024-08-20 05:35:45