International mechanisms for recovering stolen Iraqi antiquities

Abstract

The international protection of cultural heritage in general and antiquities in particular is considered an important subject. The international community devised several conventions that embody the protection and recovery of antiquities in case of exposure to theft. It is known that Iraqi antiquities had been subjected of theft and looting mainly during 2003-2014، which expresses the magnitude of cultural tragedy that these antiquities are exposed to. Supported by the international community، Iraq seeks to protect and recover his looted antiquities that are today shown in several museums worldwide. Iraq was able to recover some of them، yet the majority have not been recovered until now. This is probably due to a number of constraints، mainly prescription rule taken by the international conventions which is meant to protect and recover the stolen antiquities including 1970 and 1995 conventions. In addition، several states refused to return the stolen antiquities because of their power and influence and as these antiquities form an important source of income for their States. To show the efforts of the international community in recovering stolen Iraqi antiquities، we broached the role of UNISCO، INTERPOL and United Nations organization as well. In this study، we seek to provide some recommendations that can contribute to recover Iraqi antiquities that are exposed to theft

Keywords

• 1. national museum 2. archeology 3. cultural heritage 4. archeological restoration