Saving Heritage from destruction

As conflict in the Middle East saw ancient monuments destroyed at the hands of religious zealots, other crimes against our heritage were being carried out by criminals looking to make a profit from illegally selling precious objects. The Convention on Offences relating to Cultural Property provides the first international response and forms part of the Council of Europe’s action against terrorism and organised crime. It makes it a crime to be involved in any part of the illegal trade in cultural heritage, from theft, illegal excavation, import and export, faking documents and receiving, to destroying or damaging cultural property. More information on Committee on offences relating to cultural property ​​​​​​​.

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