The Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) issued a new study entitled “Legislative Mechanisms to Combat the Illicit Trafficking in Cultural Property in Arab States.” This study provides an assessment of the current legal framework for combatting the illegal trafficking of cultural assets in Arab countries and offers an analysis of international experiences and national laws that form a solid legal framework for protecting cultural property. The study aims to strengthen legislative mechanisms in ICESCO Member States in this domain.

The study, developed by ICESCO’s Department of Legal Affairs and International Standards, reflects the Organization’s commitment to safeguarding cultural heritage and strengthening the legal frameworks necessary to counter the growing threats posed by the illicit trafficking of cultural property. It aims to offer practical solutions to enhance the legal and institutional capacities of Arab countries in light of increasing challenges, such as the inadequacy of national legislation, conflicts and wars, and a lack of awareness about the value of this precious heritage.
Additionally, the study seeks to promote coordination and the sharing of best legislative practices among countries, addressing gaps in national laws to establish a solid legal framework that reinforces efforts to protect cultural property and strengthens the capacities of states to face current and future threats.

This study is part of ICESCO’s “Strategy to Combat the Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property in the Islamic World,” which was approved during the 12th Conference of the Ministers of Culture in the Islamic World, held in September 2023 in Doha, Qatar. The Strategy focuses on three main pillars: legislative mechanisms and legal guarantees, operational mechanisms related to maintenance, restoration, and protection, and international cooperation to ensure the recovery of cultural property and the prosecution of offenders.

This publication will be followed by similar studies covering ICESCO Member States in the Asian and African regions, marking the completion of the first pillar of ICESCO’s strategy against the illicit trafficking of cultural property. Through these ongoing efforts, ICESCO continues to provide comprehensive support in combatting the threats to cultural property and bolstering the preservation of the identities and civilizational values of the peoples of the Islamic world.

The study is accessible and downloadable via the following link: https://icesco.org/okuc