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Conference on Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property

Past Event

This is an email invitation-only event

Free to attend but space is limited

For more information, contact international@qm.org.qa

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UNESCO 1970 Convention on Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property: Prospects and Challenges in the State of Qatar

This conference aims to provide comprehensive insight into the prevention of theft and looting and the return and the restitution of stolen cultural property, in parallel with other advances in the fight against illicit trafficking.

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Background Information

On 14 November 1970, the General Conference of UNESCO adopted the Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. This pioneering and influential instrument has given the international community the means to tackle illicit trafficking. Since the adoption of the 1970 convention, 141 states have made use of it and considerable progress has been made across the globe.

The State of Qatar has taken maximum action to strengthen its legislative arsenal against trafficking. Internationally, Qatar merits a special mention because of its accession to the 1954 Hague Convention and its 2nd protocol and to the 1970 Convention. At the national level, Qatar has enacted legislation such as Law No. 2 of 1980 on Antiquities and very recently drafted a new law that governs the protection of cultural heritage. Over the last few years, the topic of illicit trafficking in cultural properties has also been highlighted in the public agenda in Qatar, and national and international entities in Qatar have organised a number of events on the topic.

About the Conference

In addition to providing a platform and opportunity for different participants to network and exchange information, the event will have the following specific objectives:

  • Raise awareness about the 1970 UNESCO Convention addressing illicit traffic in cultural objects
  • Provide a general understanding on illicit traffic in cultural objects and relevant custom procedures
  • Provide participants with a comprehensive understanding on the current trends in illegal trafficking of art and antiquities
  • Highlight the various operational and programme-level lessons learnt and best practices experienced and implemented over the last 50 years
  • Present new techniques, approaches and tools used to counter illicit trafficking in cultural objects
  • Identify challenges, hurdles and obstacles to implementing current international legal instruments
  • Explore the way forward with a focus on international cooperation
Conference Schedule

For more information about this conference, please contact us.