Press Release
13 december 2002

ICOM

Repatriation of Cultural Property


The International Council of Museums (ICOM) welcomes the strong emphasis on
discouraging illegal traffic in archaeological, artistic and ethnic objects,
as made in a declaration signed by 18 museums in Europe and the United
States.

ICOM, as it is widely known, strongly supports the UNESCO Convention on the
Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer
of Ownership of Cultural Property (1970) and the UNIDROIT Convention on
Stolen and Illegally Exported Cultural Objects (1995).

ICOM realises, however, that objects acquired in earlier times must
sometimes be viewed in the light of different sensitivities and values.

Museums have over the years safeguarded a rich variety of collections, and
have made them available to the public in various ways.

Repatriation of objects is an issue that should be very carefully dealt
with. Wise and thoughtful judgement is necessary. Unnecessarily strong
judgements or declarations should in any case be avoided.

As is stated in the ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums:  "In response to
requests for the return of cultural property to the country or people of
origin, museums should be prepared to initiate dialogues with an open-minded
attitude based on scientific and professional principles (in preference to
action at a governmental or political level). In addition, the possibility
of developing bilateral or multilateral partnerships with museums in
countries that have lost a significant part of their cultural or natural
heritage should be explored."

Museums all over the world are institutions in the service of society and
its development, and share a common goal.

ICOM welcomes a thoughtful approach and a thorough debate, and it will
certainly take the initiative in developing a balanced view on the sensitive
issue of the repatriation of objects.





ICOM
Maison de l'UNESCO - 1, rue Miollis - 7532 Paris cedex 15 - France
Tel: +33 (0) 1 47.34.05.00
Fax: +33 (0) 1.4306.78.62
Email: [log in to unmask]
Http://icom.museum


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