Azerbaijan elected to UNESCO committee on cultural property restitution

Azerbaijan has been elected as a member of the Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property to its Countries of Origin or its Restitution in Case of Illicit Appropriation (ICPRCP) for the 2025–2029 term.

The decision was made during the 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan.

The election is seen as a recognition of Azerbaijan’s active role in advocating for the protection and restitution of cultural heritage.

ICPRCP facilitates the return and restitution of cultural property by supporting bilateral negotiations, promoting both multilateral and bilateral cooperation, encouraging public awareness campaigns, and fostering cultural exchanges.

As an advisory body, the committee’s recommendations address disputes between States but are not legally binding.

In cases where the 1970 UNESCO Convention does not formally apply—either because the States involved are not parties to it or certain conditions, such as non-retroactivity, are not met—alternative solutions are sought.

These solutions aim to help parties reach mutually acceptable agreements, reflecting the spirit and principles of the Convention even when strict legal provisions are not applied.

By Aghakazim Guliyev