Ukraine needs to develop protocols for returning cultural property that would align with country’s interests and restore justice

Currently, Ukraine has a unique opportunity to develop the necessary protocols that would facilitate restoration and return of cultural property.

Mariana Tomyn, Director of the Cultural Heritage Department of the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine, made this statement during the discussion at Media Center Ukraine – Ukrinform.

In particular, she focused on the legislative framework dealing with the return of cultural property.

“Right now, we are not talking about the law on the export and import of cultural property. I am talking about the legal framework dealing with its return. And yes, when it comes to the return of cultural property, everything must be adapted to the realities of war. And in terms of International Law, we have a unique opportunity to develop those protocols that do not yet exist, because now we are experiencing all this in real time. These are very complex international issues. And even though our grievances with our legislation are fair, there are also questions to the international (community – Ed.), to the effectiveness of international norms in such situations. We faced two challenges: international institutions’ failure due to the human factor, and due to cultural property itself. Therefore, it is our responsibility to develop those protocols which will align with our interests and facilitate justice,” she emphasized.

Read more: https://mediacenter.org.ua/news