A novel concept: offering "asylum" to IS-threatened artwork

In what may have seemed a good idea to his speechwriter, French President François Hollande failed - in my view - to show good form in offering to grant "asylum" to antiquities being trafficked out of Syria and Iraq by the so-called Islamic State (IS).

At a time when Europe is facing its greatest refugee crisis since the Second World War and the far right is seeking to galvanize public opinion against Syrians fleeing their country's civil war, Mr. Holland could have chosen a different metaphor at a speech this week to UNESCO's general conference. That being said, France's commitment to reinforce action against trafficked antiquities is welcome, and hopefully French authorities will do all that they promise.

Huaqueros, or the scourge of Peru's ancient grave sites

When it comes to the pillaging and loss of cultural heritage, the Middle East is currently top of mind given recent events in countries such as Syria, Iraq and Yemen. However, destruction and looting of historical sites remains a problem the world over, and especially in those places where the rule of law is more shaky.

One such country is Peru, which has an incredibly diverse historical legacy, ranging from the City of Cuzco,  to the lines and geoglyphs of Nasca. Yet it also suffers from corruption and endemic poverty among large segments of the population. Combined with the demand for pre-Columbian artefacts on the international market, these factors have created permissive conditions for the pillage of sites like this ancient cemetery near the Pan-American Highway south of Lima.

Looted ancient cemetery in coastal Peru

A stone's throw from the highway the desert sand was pockmarked with pits. Skulls, bones, rotting fabric and clay pots were strewn everywhere. Visiting the site, one could not but wonder what would drive someone to show such a lack of respect for the deceased, whether they died ten years ago or a thousand. Sadly, huaqueros - as those who specialize in looting forgotten graves or burial sites are known - continue to operate throughout Peru.

Global initiative launched to protect cultural heritage from terrorists and traffickers

There was welcome news from the United Nations General Assembly in New York earlier this week (September 27, 2015) with the announcement of a new initiative to enhance the protection of cultural heritage targeted by terrorists and illicit traffickers.

The initiative is in response to the recent increase in terrorist attacks and destruction of cultural heritage of countries affected by armed conflict, as well as the illicit trafficking and sale of cultural objects.

Although short in detail, "Protecting Cultural Heritage", as the initiative is known, is open to all states, international organizations and other entities wishing to join forces in support of the protection of cultural heritage from destruction or trafficking.