Rabat: Morocco has taken significant measures to combat the illicit trade of cultural goods, as announced by the country’s Culture Minister during the opening of an international conference focused on the role of customs in this fight. The minister emphasized Morocco’s dedication to preserving cultural heritage, asserting that cultural goods are not merely artifacts or art but serve as living testimonies to humanity’s collective memory and creativity throughout centuries.

According to Agence Marocaine De Presse, the minister highlighted the exploitation of conflicts and crises by international criminal networks, which use legal and technological loopholes to smuggle cultural goods from their countries of origin. In response, Morocco has worked to bolster its legal and judicial frameworks in accordance with international conventions, including the 1970 UNESCO Convention. Efforts have also intensified in digitizing and inventorying cultural property, forming the initial line of defense against theft and smuggling.

The minister further noted the implementation of a new law containing crucial provisions designed to curb practices that threaten cultural heritage. The international conference, organized by ICESCO in cooperation with the Qatar General Customs Authority and the Qatar National Library, will run from June 30 to July 5. It includes various activities such as three meetings and a regional workshop, featuring two specialized training courses: ‘Essential skills for the protection of cultural property’ and ‘Tools and technologies used by customs for the protection of cultural property’.