The role of ICOM and the global museum community in combating the illicit trafficking of cultural property
WorkshopCULTURAL MEDIATION - AUDIENCE MANAGEMENTSecurity of goods and people
2026-03-26 | 12:30 PM - 01:25 PM | Delorme Conference Room
As the illicit trafficking of cultural property knows no borders, the coordination of the fight against this trade must necessarily take place at an international level. The initiatives and actions of the International Council of Museums (ICOM) are part of the global response from the museum community aimed at protecting endangered cultural heritage and ensuring the legal circulation of cultural objects for the benefit of present and future generations.Museums must play a role in the fight against illicit trafficking, both because they are unique sources of scientific expertise and because they are active participants in the international movement of cultural objects. In this regard, museums bear a dual responsibility.
ICOM’s most well-known resources in the field of heritage protection are undoubtedly the Red Lists. However, other initiatives such as the International Observatory on Illicit Traffic, the Code of Ethics for Museums, Object ID, and the visibility and impact of participating in meetings organized by international partners like UNESCO, INTERPOL, and UNIDROIT are essential for making the voice of museums heard through ICOM on the international stage.
Speakers
Sophie Delepierre
ICOM
responsable du Département ‘Protection du patrimoine’
