Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property

The Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property is a United Nations treaty aimed at stopping the illegal trade of cultural artifacts. This illicit trade involves objects illegally excavated or exported for profit, which deprives countries of their heritage and historical knowledge.1

The convention encourages cooperation between nations to protect cultural property. It requires member states to implement measures to prevent the import and export of stolen or illegally obtained artifacts and to establish inventories of cultural objects. This international agreement is crucial in combating the multibillion-dollar industry of illicit antiquities, which rivals the illegal trade in drugs and arms.21