GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT URGES RETURN OF ILLEGALLY EXPORTED CULTURAL OBJECTS

Press Release
GA/SM/136

GENERAL ASSEMBLY PRESIDENT URGES RETURN OF ILLEGALLY EXPORTED CULTURAL OBJECTS

Following is the text of a statement by Theo-Ben Gurirab, President of the General Assembly, in the debate on "Return or restitution of cultural property to the countries of origin", delivered on 7 December:

As the General Assembly begins its consideration of agenda item 24, entitled "Return or restitution of cultural property to the countries of origin", I wish to say a few words on the subject, for this is an issue on which I have spoken many times over the years and intend to continue doing so.

You will recall that in my acceptance speech before this August body on 14 September, I stated that the horrors of slavery and destruction wrought upon Africa and its peoples could not be forgotten. Then I emphasized that the time was opportune for reconciliation and healing. I also pointed out that such an act of mutual affirmation would, however, never be complete unless Africa's sacred relics, icons, artworks and other priceless cultural objects were returned -- lock, stock and barrel -- to the rightful owners.

Moreover, I expressed Africa's collective sadness and anguish in seeing that these stolen African treasures adorn public museums, libraries, art galleries and private homes in foreign lands, and insisted that they must come home to assuage the pain and anger in the hearts of the succeeding generations of Africans. It is a moral problem of heart and soul and of conscience.

What I stated then about the return of priceless African art and icons is equally applicable to the cultural treasures illegally exported from other countries throughout the centuries. It is time to return them. The lapse of time has not in anyway whatsoever diminished the weight of ownership nor the quest for justice and restitution.

The report of the Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization document(A/54/436), which is before the Assembly this morning, describes the actions taken by the Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property to its Countries of Origin or its Restitution in Case of Illicit Appropriation. This report is a testimony to the efforts that are being made world wide for the return of all the cultural and artistic treasures. It also cites measures under way to establish a code of ethics for dealers in cultural property; for international standards aimed at recording minimal data on movable cultural property; for setting up databanks of stolen cultural property; for helping to trace and return cultural and archaeological objects; and for sensitizing civil society, and specifically youth, to protect their environment and cultural heritage.

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These are all efforts which I wholeheartedly endorse. We all know only too well that the cultural objects of a people form an integral part of their identity, personality and expression. It is my intention to help keep this campaign alive and contribute to its success, not only for the return of African cultural objects but also for all other precious treasures illegally removed from their countries of origin.

We should strive to make the next millennium one of peace, tolerance, fairness and restitution. Which means leaving the sad history and its consequences behind.

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