Iran’s Support for the Resolution on Combating the Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Property at the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand

As part of the program of the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Dr. Hassan Fartousi, Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO, expressed the position of the Islamic Republic of Iran in an official statement delivered at a meeting of UNESCO’s Culture Commission. Supporting the agenda item on condemning the illicit trafficking of cultural property and objects from their countries of origin, he addressed the item entitled “Examination of Recommendations Concerning the Issuance of Public Statements Condemning the Illicit Sale of Cultural Objects Removed from Their Countries of Origin, Pursuant to Paragraph 5 of Resolution 42.II of UNESCO’s 40th General Conference.”

The text of the statement by the Secretary-General of the Iranian National Commission for UNESCO is as follows:

Mr. Chair, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates,

The Islamic Republic of Iran speaks from its own direct and painful experience in relation to the draft resolution under discussion. Iran, one of the world’s richest cradles of ancient civilizations; and, unfortunately, one of the principal targets of illicit trafficking networks, has witnessed the theft, trafficking, and illicit sale of countless antiquities that embody thousands of years of human creativity, identity, and memory. Such acts not only plunder the cultural heritage of our people but also undermine the spirit and commitments of the 1970 Convention, while fueling broader transnational criminal activities.

For this reason, Iran attaches great importance to establishing clear, credible, and timely procedures for public statements by the Director-General of UNESCO. Transparent and well-defined mechanisms, based on due diligence and effective international cooperation, are essential to preventing the illicit trade in cultural property and ensuring accountability.

Mr. Chair, strengthening these procedures empowers affected countries, prevents illicit transactions, and further reinforces UNESCO’s central role as the custodian of the world’s cultural heritage.

It is also essential to give serious consideration to training customs officials and staff in Member States to ensure a better understanding of the illicit transportation of cultural property and objects.

Lack of awareness and inadequate training in this area create significant obstacles to preventing and facilitating efforts against the illicit trafficking of cultural property.

Therefore, the Islamic Republic of Iran expresses its firm support for this resolution and stands ready to cooperate with all Member States to combat illicit trafficking and protect our shared heritage for future generations.

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