ICAHM Illicit Trafficking Working Group (ITWG)

Archaeological heritage and the sites from which they come are irreplaceable resources that serve as tangible links to history and environment. This heritage is being destroyed by the looting and trafficking of archaeological heritage, robbing future generations of their past. It is also a threat to economic and national security, as it is closely linked to the financing of organized crime, armed conflict, and violent extremism. Terrorist organizations are additionally using heritage as a weapon of war, through ideological and intentional cultural destruction. This is an atrocity crime in itself, as well as a warning sign of impending war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. ICAHM is well-suited to tackle these threats head on, as it is made up of a diverse group of experts that focus on the development and propagation of best practices in the field of archaeological heritage management.

Within ICAHM, the ITWG will focus on addressing the problem of illicit trafficking of archaeological heritage through the following objectives:

  • Network: Support a network of experts on the illicit trade within ICAHM. 
  • Research: Conduct research on the global illicit trade in archaeological heritage from the perspective of ICAHM.
  • Advocate: Raise awareness of the problem of the illicit trade within and outside of ICAHM.

Activities 

In its first two years, the ITWG completed the following initiatives: 

  • Launching the Working Group and Creating a Network 
  • Conducting initial outreach to ICAHM, ICOMOS, UNESCO, the G20, and ASEAN
  • Circulating Information Among the Network
  • Research Project: Cultural Vulnerability Index for Archaeologists and Policy Makers

In its first two years, the ITWG: 

  • Set up a group of 17 members from countries including Argentina, Australia, Greece, France, the Netherlands, Pakistan, and the United States. 
  • Held 4 virtual meetings 
  • Participated in 2 conferences
  • “The Prevention of the Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Properties: An ASEAN Perspective”
  • ICOMOS 21st General Assembly and Scientific Symposium
  • Circulated 13 monthly newsletters

Proposed Activities for next two years:

  • Continue to conducting outreach to outside groups such as ICAHM, ICOMOS, UNESCO, the G20, and ASEAN
  • Continue Circulating Information Among the Network
  • Engage with ICAHM and ICOMOS Events

Members: Ana Yanez (Chair), Tess Daivs (Chair), Brian Egloff, Marianna Savrami, Naomi Oosterman, Mohammad Habib Reza, Ian Lilley, ZM Quadri, Luz Endere, Mohamed Waheed, Mario Rivera, Mirjana Sanandar, Diria Morales, Leonora O’Brien, Natali Pearson, Muriel Joyuex, Kayla Kane, Elena Korka

Contact: Helena Arose, harose@theantiquitiescoalition.org