فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Morocco is taking robust and proactive steps to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property, as part of a comprehensive royal vision spearheaded by His Majesty King Mohammed VI, according to Mohamed Mehdi Bensaïd, Minister of Youth, Culture, and Communication.
Speaking at the opening of an international conference in Rabat, Minister Bensaïd emphasized that cultural artifacts are not merely objects of artistic value, but living witnesses to humanity’s shared history — treasures that must be shielded from the grasp of organized crime networks.
“These networks exploit conflict zones, legal loopholes, and digital vulnerabilities to smuggle heritage items,” Bensaïd warned, highlighting the global threat posed by cultural crimes.
Key Measures Taken by Morocco:
- Strengthening national legislation in alignment with the 1970 UNESCO Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property.
- Digitizing heritage inventories, ensuring modern classification and monitoring systems.
- Implementing a new cultural heritage protection law, incorporating advanced legal mechanisms.
- Enhancing the capacity of judicial and law enforcement bodies to investigate and prosecute cultural crimes, in close collaboration with international partners.
International Recoveries and Strategic Vision
Minister Bensaïd noted that Morocco has already succeeded in recovering valuable cultural assets from countries including the United States and Chile, underscoring the country’s active engagement on the global stage.
“Preserving cultural heritage is a strategic investment in the future and a pillar of national identity and historical continuity,” he stated.
This announcement reinforces Morocco’s commitment to safeguarding its rich cultural legacy, aligning with global efforts to protect endangered heritage from theft, destruction, and illicit trade.
