“Switzerland and Türkiye’s Bilateral Agreement on International Cultural Property Transfer”

2023-05-04 08:01:26

Federal Office of Culture

Bern, 04.05.2023 – The bilateral agreement signed by Switzerland and Türkiye on the international transfer of cultural property entered into force today. It covers archaeological objects prior to 1500 AD. BC, particularly affected by looting.

The bilateral agreement on the international transfer of cultural property allows Switzerland and Türkiye to have reciprocal rules on the import and transit of cultural property of significant importance for the cultural heritage of each State Party. It also strengthens cooperation between the two States in the fight against the illicit trafficking of cultural property.

The agreement covers archaeological discoveries dating from prehistoric times to 1500 AD. BC, which are particularly threatened by looting and illicit trade. It specifies the conditions for the legal import of the said cultural goods. Thus, in the event of direct import or transit of cultural goods from Türkiye, it must be proven to the Swiss customs authorities that the export provisions in force in Türkiye have been complied with. In accordance with the law on the transfer of cultural property, an import that contravenes a bilateral agreement is illegal and therefore liable to criminal sanctions.

The agreement also defines the modalities for the return of illegally imported cultural property. It also regulates the sharing of information and encourages collaboration in the fight against the illegal transfer of cultural property.

The global trade in cultural goods has greatly intensified in recent decades. Alongside the legal trade, the illegal transfer of cultural goods has also increased, which is synonymous with serious and often irreversible damage to cultural heritage. In order to safeguard cultural and foreign policy interests and to ensure the protection of cultural heritage, the Federal Council may conclude international treaties (bilateral agreements) on the import and return of cultural property with the States which have ratified the 1970 UNESCO Convention. Switzerland has already concluded such agreements with Italy, Greece, Colombia, China, Egypt, Cyprus, Peru and Mexico.

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Address for sending questions

Fabienne Baraga, head of the specialized department International transfer of cultural property
Federal Office of Culture (OFC)
[phone], [e-mail]

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Auteur

Federal Office of Culture

http://www.bak.admin.ch

1683187945
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