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Human Rights And Illicit Trade In Cultural Objects, Ana Filipa Vrdoljak

Ana Filipa Vrdoljak

Movable cultural heritage is not bounded nor shielded by national territorial borders. Applicable domestic laws are of limited import without the cooperation of other states and the international community. Despite a century of domestic legal protection of movable cultural heritage in many states, widespread non-compliance and lack of enforcement has been the norm rather than the exception. However, the tide is turning. States formerly reluctant to ratify cultural heritage treaties have done so, signalling their acceptance of the importance of multilateral action in this field. Enforcement of such laws is viewed as part of the reinforcement of good governance, rule …

Restitution Of Cultural Properties Trafficked During Colonization: A Human Rights Perspective, Ana Filipa Vrdoljak

Ana Filipa Vrdoljak

On the occasion of the successfully negotiated return of the Uigwe (the Royal Protocols of the Joseon Dynasty), the Oe-kyujanggak Books and other cultural patrimony to Korea from France and to augment UNESCO and the Korean National Commission’s initiative to foster a network for the return of cultural property, this paper shall cover three broad themes. First, there is a brief description of how international law and the international community has conceptualised claims for restitution of cultural objects removed during colonization prior to the late twentieth century. Second, there is an examination of the redefinition of these restitution re quests …

Cultural Rights: The Possible Impact Of Private Military And Security Companies, Ana Filipa Vrdoljak

Ana Filipa Vrdoljak

Culture and its protection has been present in the earliest codifications of the laws of war and international humanitarian law, both in its physical manifestations as cultural heritage and its practice and enjoyment as cultural rights. However, the engagement of PMSCs in recent conflicts has again raised the vexed issue of the role of ‘culture’ and heritage professionals in armed conflicts and belligerent occupation. This debate has in turn exposed the limitations of existing IHL and human rights instruments.

To complement the PRIV-WAR project’s current and projected work, this report is divided into four parts. First, there is an examination …

History And Evolution Of International Cultural Heritage Law: Through The Question Of The Removal And Return Of Cultural Objects, Ana Filipa Vrdoljak

Ana Filipa Vrdoljak

The role of law in the removal and return of cultural objects has long been fraught and contested. This paper examines the history and development of the legal protection of cultural heritage at the international level with particular reference to the return of cultural objects.

With a view to facilitating the Intergovernmental Committee's future work, the paper is divided into four parts. First, there is an examination of the historical development of international cultural heritage law in respect of restitution over the last two centuries. Second, the establishment and work of the Intergovernmental Committee is considered in this historical legal …

Cultural Heritage In Human Rights And Humanitarian Law, Ana Filipa Vrdoljak

Ana Filipa Vrdoljak

The public outcry in response to the looting of the Baghdad Museum following the 2003 invasion of Iraq and the bombardment of the historic city of Dubrovnik in 1991 are contemporary examples of international condemnation of attacks upon cultural heritage during armed conflict and belligerent occupation. This international concern has manifested itself since the earliest codification of the laws of war which provided cultural heritage with a protection regime distinct from other civilian property, and state categorically that violations shall be subject to legal sanctions. These general international humanitarian law instruments are augmented by a specialist multilateral framework which governs …