Report on the Illicit Trafficking of Syrian Cultural Heritage and Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction

The International Council of Museums (ICOM) has expressed serious concern regarding the escalating looting, illegal sale, and illicit trafficking of cultural heritage objects originating from Syria. This report highlights the current situation, ongoing challenges, and calls for international cooperation, emphasizing the relevance to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Current Situation and Challenges

1. Emergence of Black Market: ICOM’s Syrian members report an active black market for cultural objects within Syria. Electronic treasure-hunting devices are openly sold in major cities, facilitating illegal excavations.
2. Public Advertisement of Illicit Objects: Objects obtained through illegal excavations are publicly advertised for sale on social media platforms.
3. Counterfeiting Issues: There is a significant increase in the production and circulation of counterfeit cultural objects, especially coins, complicating authentication and provenance verification processes.

Calls to Action and Regional Collaboration

• ICOM urges relevant authorities both within Syria and internationally to take decisive measures to combat illicit trafficking.
• Collaboration with neighboring countries—Lebanon, Türkiye, and Iraq—is encouraged to monitor transit routes and coordinate efforts to curb illegal trafficking.

Awareness and Preventive Measures

ICOM’s Syrian members have initiated local awareness campaigns aimed at:

• Increasing public understanding of the dangers associated with illegal excavations.
• Highlighting the legal consequences of such activities.
• Emphasizing the importance of preserving cultural heritage, especially during times of crisis.

Emergency Red List of Syrian Cultural Objects at Risk

In 2018, ICOM published the Emergency Red List of Syrian Cultural Objects at Risk. This tool assists art and heritage professionals, as well as law enforcement officials, in identifying Syrian cultural objects protected under national and international legislation.

• The Red List illustrates categories and types of cultural items most vulnerable to illegal trade.
• Given Syria’s rich and diverse cultural heritage, the list is not exhaustive; all cultural goods potentially originating from Syria require detailed scrutiny and precautionary measures.
• The list is available in Arabic, English, French, German, Swedish, and Turkish to facilitate widespread use.

Recommendations for the International Community and Stakeholders

• Remain vigilant regarding the provenance of Syrian cultural objects in circulation.
• Report any suspicious transactions to appropriate authorities to support SDG 16 by promoting justice and strong institutions.

Contact Information

• Suspected cases of stolen, looted, or illegally exported Syrian cultural objects should be reported to the Directorate-General of Antiquities and Museums (DGAM) at dgam@syrianheritage.org.
• For further information on ICOM’s initiatives in Syria, contact heritage.protection@icom.museum.

Conclusion

The protection of Syrian cultural heritage aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals, notably SDG 11, SDG 16, and SDG 17. Combating illicit trafficking requires coordinated international efforts, public awareness, and robust legal frameworks to ensure the preservation of cultural heritage for future generations.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Focuses on protecting cultural and natural heritage.
   • The article discusses the protection of Syrian cultural heritage from looting and illicit trafficking.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • Emphasizes the promotion of peaceful and inclusive societies and access to justice.
   • The article highlights illegal activities such as looting and illicit trafficking, and calls for law enforcement and international cooperation.
3. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Encourages international cooperation and partnerships.
   • The article calls for collaboration between Syria and neighboring countries to monitor and curb illicit trafficking.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 11 – Target 11.4: Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage.
   • The article’s focus on protecting Syrian cultural objects and raising awareness aligns with this target.
2. SDG 16 – Target 16.4: By 2030, significantly reduce illicit financial and arms flows, strengthen the recovery and return of stolen assets, and combat all forms of organized crime.
   • The illicit trafficking and illegal sale of cultural objects discussed in the article relate directly to this target.
3. SDG 17 – Target 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development, complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships.
   • The article’s call for collaboration among countries and stakeholders reflects this target.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicator for SDG 11.4: Proportion of cultural and natural heritage sites protected and preserved.
   • The article implies monitoring the protection status of Syrian cultural objects through tools like the Emergency Red List.
2. Indicator for SDG 16.4: Total value of inward and outward illicit financial flows (in current US dollars).
   • While not explicitly stated, the article’s focus on illicit trafficking suggests the need to track illegal trade volumes and financial flows related to cultural objects.
3. Indicator for SDG 17.16: Number of countries reporting progress in multi-stakeholder partnerships.
   • The article’s emphasis on cooperation between Syria and neighboring countries implies tracking partnership activities and their effectiveness.
4. Additional Implied Indicator: Number of awareness campaigns conducted and public engagement levels.
   • The article mentions awareness-raising campaigns by ICOM members, which could be measured to assess progress in public understanding and prevention efforts.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: icom.museum