Acting for heritage!
The Convention on Offences relating to Cultural Property aims to prevent and combat the illicit trafficking and destruction of cultural property, in the framework of the Organisation’s action to fight terrorism and organised crime. Open for signature to any country in the world, the Convention also aims to foster international co-operation to fight these crimes, which are destroying the world’s cultural heritage.
The Convention, which is the only international treaty specifically dealing with the criminalisation of the illicit trafficking of cultural property, establishes a number of criminal offences, including theft; unlawful excavation, importation and exportation; and illegal acquisition and placing on the market. It also criminalises the falsification of documents and the destruction or damage of cultural property when committed intentionally.
COUNCIL OF EUROPE CONVENTION ON OFFENCES RELATING TO CULTURAL PROPERTY
Preamble
Chapter I – Purpose, scope, use of terms
Chapter II – Substantive criminal law
Chapter III – Investigation, prosecution and procedural law
Chapter IV – Preventive measures and other administrative measures
Chapter V – Follow-up mechanism
Chapter VI – Relationship with other international instruments
Chapter VII – Amendments to the Convention
Chapter VIII – Final clauses
EXPLANATORY REPORT TO THE COUNCIL OF EUROPE CONVENTION ON OFFENCES RELATING TO CULTURAL PROPERTY
I. Introduction
II. Commentary on the Preamble and the provisions of the Convention Preamble
Chapter I – Purpose, scope, use of terms
Chapter II – Substantive criminal law
Chapter III – Investigation, prosecution and procedural law
Chapter IV – Measures for prevention and other administrative measures
Chapter V – Follow-up mechanism
Chapter VI – Relationship with other international instruments
Chapter VII – Amendments to the Convention
Chapter VIII – Final clauses
