Addis Ababa, March 19, 2008 (Addis Ababa) - International Conference on the "Return of Cultural Property to its Country of Origin" was held from 17 to18 March 2008 at the New Acropolis Museum in Athens, Greece, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) said. The conference was aimed at fostering awareness and provides fora for reflection and exchanges on the issue of the return of cultural property.
It said the conference participants reflected upon and exchanged experiences on the issue of the return of cultural property, examining several successful return cases, including the Axum Obelisk from Italy to Ethiopia, the return of the Stone Birds of Great Zimbabwe from Germany to Zimbabwe.
Discussions were held on ways to strengthen the action of the Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property to its Countries of Origin or its Restitution in case of Illicit Appropriation.
Lawyers, museum professionals and experts in the field of the return of cultural property took part in the conference, which is the first in a series of international gatherings organized by UNESCO and its Member States.
The proceedings of the conference will be published and made available for the 15th session of the Intergovernmental Committee scheduled for June 2009.
Established by UNESCO in 1978, the Intergovernmental Committee provides a framework for discussion and negotiation on the return or restitution of cultural property.
The committee, composed of 22 elected member states, remains strictly advisory, establishing forums for debate and offering non-legally binding recommendations.
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