MEXICO CITY: Cultural ministers and representatives from 150 countries have committed to restoring historic artefacts to their countries of origin, according to a declaration released on Friday, Sep 30 after a UNESCO conference in Mexico City.
Major museums, auction houses and private collectors have been under pressure in recent years to recover priceless works of art and other antiquities from Latin American and African nations, arguing that the goods were often taken unethically or illegally.
A statement from the UN's cultural arm called for international dialogue on illegally acquired artefacts and concrete measures to fight the illicit trade in antiquities.
The declaration considers culture to be a global public good that should be included in the UN development goals.
The restitution of cultural artefacts is often politically sensitive and raises questions about the transport and care of delicate antiquities.
After the death of Queen Elizabeth II, India has renewed calls for the return of one of the world's largest uncut diamonds from Britain's crown jewels, while Chile has demanded the return of a Moai statue from the British Museum for years.
Mexico's government has previously called for the return of a 500-year-old Aztec crest, known as Montezuma's headdress from a Vienna museum, but experts have deemed its centuries-old iridescent quetzal feathers too fragile for transport.
During the conference, ministers discussed how to protect heritage from wars and climate change.
Ernesto Ottone, a senior UNESCO official, expressed hope that old attitudes are shifting in an interview on the sidelines of the conference.
He said in the last three years there has been a change on how restitution can be made, pointing out recent bilateral deals that have led to the return of artefacts. Doors are opening for us today.