Convention on Stolen or Illegally Exported Cultural Objects

The Convention on Stolen or Illegally Exported Cultural Objects is an international agreement established in 1995. It aims to regulate the global trade of cultural items, defining them as objects of importance for archaeology, prehistory, history, literature, art, or science.1

Under this convention, a claimant must prove that an object was illegally taken and holds cultural significance for its return. Purchasers of illegally exported items may receive compensation if they can demonstrate they were unaware of the theft. This convention works alongside the 1970 UNESCO Convention to combat the illicit trade in cultural property, which is a significant global issue comparable to drug and arms trafficking.12