The new report “Cultural Heritage Smuggling and the Nexus with Terrorism” examines the significant link between cultural heritage smuggling, particularly of antiquities, and terrorism. It highlights how terrorist groups exploit this illicit trade to fund their activities, tracing its origins back to ancient times and evolving significantly since the early 1980s with the involvement of Latin American drug cartels and African warlords. Recent increases in antiquities trafficking, especially post-2003 in Iraq and with the rise of ISIL, have underscored the need for stringent monitoring by entities like the United Nations Security Council. Challenges in curbing this trade include legal discrepancies, overlapping smuggling routes with other illicit goods, and public unawareness of the artefacts' origins. The report calls for enhanced public awareness, better cooperation between Member States, and a multidisciplinary approach to effectively tackle and mitigate the impact of antiquities smuggling on global terrorism and cultural heritage preservation.
Four recommendations to counter the nexus between cultural heritage smuggling and terrorism
The illicit trade of cultural artefacts continues to strip communities of their cultural identity, fuel conflict and terrorism, and destabilize regions.
The smuggling of cultural heritage and the nexus with terrorism pose a multifaceted threat to peace, security, and cultural diversity worldwide. It erodes the social fabric of affected communities, undermines post-conflict reconciliation efforts, and perpetuates cycles of violence and extremism. Furthermore, it robs future generations of their inheritance, denying them the opportunity to connect with their cultural roots and understand the rich tapestry of human history.
In June, UNICRI presented the report “Cultural Heritage Smuggling and the Nexus with Terrorism,” during an high-level event at the UN Headquarters in New York co-sponsored by the Italian Permanent Mission to the United Nations.
The report sheds light on this crucial topic and underscores the urgent need for a better understanding of the obstacles faced when countering this threat, and the importance of collective efforts.
Speaking at the launch, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Italy, Ambassador Gianluca Greco stressed the importance of shedding more light on this crime, which is often overlooked.
Acting Director of UNICRI, Leif Villadsen underscored the importance of addressing the nexus between cultural heritage smuggling and terrorism. He added that a multi-pronged approach was essential to address the root causes of cultural heritage trafficking while disrupting the financial networks sustaining terrorist organizations.
“This issue is not just about the illegal trade of artefacts; it is a direct attack on our shared human heritage and the values that bind us together as a global community,” he said.
Drawing from the report, Mr. Villadsen shared four recommendations that could enhance efforts and contribute to addressing this nexus.
- A Comprehensive Response
Addressing this multifaceted threat requires a holistic approach. This entails strengthening legal frameworks, enhancing international cooperation, and disrupting the financial networks that sustain these illegal activities. Collaboration across governments, international organizations, and civil society is essential.
- Research and Innovation
Research is key to understanding and combating cultural heritage smuggling. By leveraging data, case studies, and expert analyses, actors can develop targeted strategies to effectively counter these threats…
- International Cooperation and Commitment
The fight against cultural heritage smuggling and its links to terrorism is a collective responsibility that must involve partners at different levels. Existing partnerships and collaborations exemplify the impact of working together. It is essential to continue to build on these relationships and foster new synergies.
- Preserving Our Shared Heritage:
Beyond the immediate security concerns, we are also guardians of our cultural legacy. Protecting cultural heritage is about safeguarding the stories, traditions, and identities that define us. It is about ensuring that future generations can connect with their history and heritage.
The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI) continues to lead efforts to address the nexus between crime and terrorism. Since 2015, the institute has been addressing the nexus between transnational organized crime and terrorism and was the first UN entity to do so following the adoption of Security Council resolution 2195 (2014).
The report offers insights and recommendations to policymakers, law enforcement agencies, and stakeholders to effectively address the nexus of antiquities smuggling, organized crime, and terrorism. Shedding light on this multifaceted issue provides information for strategic responses and underscores the crucial need for international cooperation in countering these threats to cultural heritage and global security.
Download the report Report Cultural Heritage Smuggling and the Nexus with Terrorism here.
Video by Odhran McCarthy
