Morocco leads global efforts against cultural property trafficking

Morocco is hosting an international conference in Rabat focused on combating the trafficking of cultural property. The six-day event brings together experts and policymakers to discuss the role of customs authorities in protecting cultural heritage from illegal trade, a growing global issue.

Morocco's commitment to protecting cultural heritage

Speaking at the conference's opening, Morocco’s Minister of Justice, Abdellatif Ouahbi, highlighted the country’s dedication to preserving cultural heritage. He announced that Morocco has signed all international agreements aimed at protecting cultural property and has strengthened law enforcement and legal frameworks to meet international standards.

The minister emphasized the urgent need to address the illegal trafficking of cultural property, describing it as one of the most dangerous and lucrative criminal industries worldwide. He noted that traffickers exploit the chaos of wars, advanced technology, and cross-border criminal networks to profit from stolen artifacts.

Cultural heritage as a nation’s identity

Salem bin Mohammed Al-Malik, Director General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO), underscored the profound importance of preserving cultural property. Al-Malik described cultural artifacts as the silent storytellers of a nation’s history and identity, carrying the wisdom of past generations and safeguarding collective memory.

He called for stronger international cooperation to recover stolen artifacts, emphasizing that collaborative efforts between countries and institutions are essential to stopping those who profit from erasing a people’s history and identity.

Customs authorities at the forefront

Minister Ouahbi stressed the critical role of customs authorities in intercepting smuggled cultural artifacts at borders. He called for enhanced coordination among judicial, security, and customs agencies to effectively combat trafficking and protect cultural heritage.

The conference, organized by ISESCO in collaboration with Qatar National Library, Qatar’s customs authority, and Morocco’s customs administration, aims to strengthen the capabilities of customs institutions. Its sessions include training on digital documentation, advanced customs technology, and handling seized cultural property.

The event highlights Morocco’s leadership in the fight against cultural property trafficking and its commitment to preserving cultural heritage as a cornerstone of national and global identity.