The fight against illicit trafficking in cultural goods requires the enhancement of legal instruments and the use of practical tools disseminating information, raising public awareness, and preventing illegal exportation.
The Emergency Red List of Iraqi Cultural Objects at Risk illustrates the categories or types of cultural items that are most likely to be illegally traded. It aims to help art and heritage professionals and law enforcement officials identify Iraqi objects that are at risk and protected by the legislation in force. Museums, auction houses, art dealers and collectors are encouraged not to acquire such objects without having carefully and thoroughly researched their origin and all the relevant legal documentation.
Due to the great diversity of objects, styles and periods, the Emergency Red List of Iraqi Cultural Objects at Risk is far from exhaustive. Any cultural good that could have originated from Iraq should be subjected to detailed scrutiny and precautionary measures.
Source: ICOM
