Cultural ministers pledge more action to return priceless artefacts

Seized items are displayed during an announcement of the repatriation and return to Cambodia of 30 Cambodian antiquities sold to US collectors and institutions by Douglas Latchford and seized

Cultural ministers and representatives from 150 countries committed to expanding efforts to return historical artefacts to their countries of origin, according to a declaration released on Friday, following a UNESCO conference in Mexico City.

Major museums, auction houses and private collectors have faced growing pressure in recent years to repatriate priceless works of art and other antiquities from Latin American and African nations, among others, which argue the goods were often taken unethically or illegally.

The declaration from the United Nations' cultural arm called for open, inclusive international dialogue on illegally acquired artefacts and concrete measures to battle the illicit trade in antiquities.

The declaration deems culture a "global public good" that should be included inthe UNdevelopment goals.

Restitution ofculturalartefacts is oftenpolitically sensitive and raises questionsover the transport and care of often delicateantiquities.

The death of Queen Elizabeth II has renewed calls in India for thereturnofone of the world's largest uncut diamonds fromBritain's crown jewels, while Chile has for years demanded thereturnof a Moai statue from the British Museum.

Mexico's governmenthas previouslycalled for thereturnof a 500-year-old Azteccrestknown as Montezuma's headdress from a Vienna museum, but expertshave deemedits centuries-old iridescent quetzal feathers, dotted with golden pendants,too fragile for transport.

During the conference,ministersalso discussed how to protect heritage from wars and climate change.

Ernesto Ottone, a senior UNESCO official, expressed hope that old attitudes are shifting in an interview on the sidelines of the conference.

"In the last three years there has been a change, a turning point, on how restitution can be made," he said, pointing to recent bilateral deals that have led to the return of artefacts. "Today, doors are opening for us."