Doc. 10400

17 January 2005

Ending the plundering of African cultural objects

Recommendation 1651 (2004)

Reply from the Committee of Ministers

adopted at the 911^th meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies (12 January 2005)

1.       The Committee of Ministers has considered Parliamentary Assembly Recommendation 1651 (2004) on ending the plundering of African cultural objects.

2.       The Committee of Ministers wishes to underline the importance of African art, which is often the only testimony to a culture threatened by disappearance as well as the value and creativity of the work of contemporary African artists. African art has had a great influence on European culture, in particular as a source of inspiration for some of the most important artists of the 20th century.

3.        As stated by the Parliamentary Assembly, it is possible to put an end to the plundering of African art objects, if one were to:

-        apply the same high standards to its protection as those accorded to the protection of European art objects;

-        increase the issuing of certificates of origin, of exportation and of title (ownership) and verifying these at any private sales as well as in business transactions with public and private museums.

4.        The Committee of Ministers recognises that at present the Council of Europe has no specific programme activities in this area. However, on the occasion of the forthcoming plenary meeting of the Steering Committee for Culture (CDCULT), the attention of national delegations will be drawn to the value of:

-        ratifying the existing international instruments, particularly of UNESCO for the control of art trade and of illegal circulation of cultural objects and their application to the trade in African art;

-        taking inspiration, where possible, for national legislation from relevant Recommendations of the Parliamentary Assembly;

-        reinforcing bi-lateral cooperation with African states regarding the protection of their heritage, for example via information exchange systems between specialised police forces in the recuperation of cultural objects (such as those which exist in France and Italy);

-        reporting regularly on progress achieved regarding regulatory instruments and as far as good practice is concerned.