Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Properties in Arab States

Offering an overview of the phenomenon of illicit trafficking of cultural properties, this book serves as a reference point for governments, enforcement agencies, international organizations, stakeholders, and civil societies. The geographic focus is the Arab World: the countries in the Middle East, Gulf of Arabia, Horn of Africa and North Africa.

Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Properties in Arab States provides a bird’s-eye view of the phenomenon of illicit trafficking of cultural properties and serves as a reference point for governments, enforcement agencies, international organizations, stakeholders, and civil societies. It focuses geographically on the Arab World: the countries in the Middle East, Gulf of Arabia, Horn of Africa and North Africa. To date a holistic approach to the topic in this region has been lacking.

The book investigates the nature of illicit trafficking of cultural properties, the means and impact of illicit activities and crimes perpetrated against archaeological sites and museums. Through up-to-date information, grounded on solid research data, it traces the routes of illicit trafficking and analyzes the actual situation of the targeted region with an eye on the implementation of the international conventions. The aim is to investigate possible firm responses to illicit trafficking and determine the priorities and needs of this region.

The outcomes are visible recommendations on the challenge of illicit trafficking of cultural properties in the Arab region, promoting modalities for sharing data and encouraging the review of legislative and judicial systems and practices connected to illicit trafficking of cultural properties. Finally, the work encourages the coordination of stakeholders and the use of technological advances to fulfil this monumental duty.