The fight against illicit trafficking of cultural property remains a priority on the political agenda about culture of the South East European countries, which have all ratified the 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property. The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, more specifically, ratified the 1970 Convention in 1997, and adhered to the 1995 UNIDROIT Convention on stolen or illegally exported cultural objects.

In March 2006, the UNESCO Venice Office organized a first expert meeting in Ohrid, to discuss regional cooperation mechanisms. The meeting’s recommendations called for the enhancement of the relevant legal framework, national inventories and databases, security measures, cross-border cooperation, as well as for the development of institutional and professional capacities through the exchange of information and experience.

The development of human and institutional capacities is also a priority for the action of UNESCO in this field, on issues including national inventories, information and communication, exchange of best practices, and awareness-raising. Accordingly, the objective of this Seminar is to raise awareness and develop professional capacities of the concerned services of The former Yugoslav republic of Macedonia (with special focus on police), with special regard to the implementation of the relevant international standards, tools, and best practices.

Thanks to the precious cooperation of the Italian Comando Carabinieri per la Tutela del Patrimonio Culturale (Cultural Heritage Protection Department) and the contribution of distinguished international trainers and speakers, participants in the Seminar will acquire information and training on a variety of topics related to the fight against illicit trafficking of cultural properties, as well as on related issues such as the restitution or return of cultural objects, preventive measures and risk mitigation, etc., having the opportunity to discuss about priorities, needs and possible implementation of good practices in their country.

This seminar is aimed at officials from the Ministry of Interiors, Customs, Ministry of Culture and Cultural Heritage Protection Office of The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Speakers include senior representatives from international organizations (UNESCO, INTERPOL, World Customs Organization / Regional Intelligence Liaison Office for Western Europe WCO - RILO WE, International Institute for the Unification of Private Law UNIDROIT, ICOM Italian National Commission) as well as of experts from Carabinieri and from other Italian authorities (Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities, Ministry of Justice) and specialized services.

* * * * *

Since its approval in 1970, 127 Member States of UNESCO have ratified the Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property, including all South-East European Member States, advancing UNESCO’s untiring efforts to lead and support international cooperation on this topic.

Link: Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property