Organized by the UNESCO Office in Sudan, under the patronage of the governor of Northern State and in partnership with the Supreme Council for Tourism (Northern State), the Federal Ministry of Culture, Information and Tourism, the Sudanese National Commission for Education, Science and Culture, the workshop brought together 35 participants from government institutions, cultural heritage professionals, customs authorities, security and judicial bodies, academia, and local communities. The event reflects a strong and coordinated national commitment to safeguarding Sudan’s cultural heritage and addressing the growing threat of illicit trafficking.
Throughout the workshop, UNESCO played a central role in convening stakeholders, providing technical guidance, and aligning national efforts with international standards and conventions. Discussions emphasized the urgent need to strengthen legal, institutional, and operational frameworks to prevent looting, enhance recovery efforts, and protect cultural property in the context of ongoing challenges.
High-level interventions underscored the critical role of cultural heritage in reinforcing national identity, supporting sustainable development, and fostering social cohesion. Speakers commended UNESCO’s leadership and long-standing engagement in Sudan, particularly in supporting national capacities and promoting international cooperation in the protection and recovery of cultural property.
The second day focused on strengthening the technical and legal capacities of customs officers and law enforcement agencies. Sessions covered key international frameworks, including the 1970, 1995, and 2001 UNESCO Conventions, alongside national legislation such as the Antiquities Protection Law (1999). Participants engaged in practical exercises, including simulation scenarios, case studies, and coordination mechanisms aimed at enhancing inter-institutional collaboration.
The workshop concluded with a set of actionable recommendations, including strengthening institutional capacities, enhancing coordination between national and state actors, improving legal frameworks and enforcement mechanisms, establishing specialized prosecution units and courts for heritage-related crimes, reinforcing border control systems, and expanding targeted training for law enforcement and tourism police. Participants also emphasized the importance of community engagement and awareness, as well as the establishment of a coordinated national mechanism for the protection of antiquities.
UNESCO reaffirms its continued commitment to supporting Sudan in safeguarding its cultural heritage, including through capacity-building, technical assistance, and the promotion of international cooperation. These efforts are implemented within the framework of UNESCO’s Emergency Action Plan for Sudan, which prioritizes the protection of cultural heritage as a key pillar for resilience, recovery, and social cohesion.
This activity is generously funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS).
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/strengthening-sudans-response-illicit-trafficking-cultural-property-northern-state-dongola-sudan-15?hub=701
