• UNESCO presents the preliminary findings of the first comparative study on the return and restitution of cultural property in Latin America and the Caribbean.
• Between 2015 and 2023, Peru recovered more than 10,000 cultural objects and submitted the highest number of international claims in the region, demonstrating the effectiveness of institutional and diplomatic cooperation in combating the illicit trafficking of cultural heritage.
The recovery of more than 10,000 cultural objects and the submission of nearly 1,000 international claims between 2015 and 2023 position Peru as one of the most active and effective countries in Latin America and the Caribbean in the fight against the illicit trafficking of cultural property. These findings are presented in the first Comparative Study on the Processes of Return and Restitution of Cultural Property in Latin America and the Caribbean (2015–2023), prepared by UNESCO, which examines the experiences of 15 countries in the region.
The findings show that the combination of robust regulatory frameworks, international cooperation, diplomatic action and inter-institutional coordination can deliver tangible results in the recovery of cultural heritage. In Peru, these efforts have strengthened the State’s capacity to identify, claim and recover cultural property internationally, contributing to the protection of the country’s memory, identity and cultural diversity.
The findings were presented by UNESCO on 30 June 2026 at the headquarters of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Lima, during the 20th Ordinary Session of the National Commission for the Protection and Recovery of Movable Property Forming Part of the Nation’s Cultural Heritage. The Commission is a permanent inter-institutional coordination mechanism chaired by the Ministry of Culture, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs serving as its Technical Secretariat.
During the event, Guiomar Alonso Cano, UNESCO Representative in Peru, presented the main findings of the research, which was conducted within the framework of the implementation of the 1970 UNESCO Convention. The study constitutes the first comparative assessment of cultural property return and restitution processes in 15 countries across Latin America and the Caribbean, identifying regional trends, effective recovery mechanisms, persistent challenges and good practices for strengthening the prevention of illicit trafficking and the recovery of cultural heritage.
The research identifies Peru as one of the countries that achieved the most significant results in the recovery of cultural property during the period analysed. It also highlights that coordination among the competent national institutions, diplomatic action and the use of international cooperation mechanisms have been decisive factors in consolidating the country’s position as a regional leader in the implementation of the 1970 Convention.
The main good practices identified across the region include the permanent monitoring of auction houses and digital platforms; coordination among the competent institutions; and the use of international and regional cooperation tools and platforms, including bilateral agreements, Decision 861 of the Andean Community and the Cusco Forum. The study also highlights the importance of strengthening opportunities for States to exchange experiences and knowledge in order to develop more effective responses to a transnational phenomenon.
The research also makes recommendations aimed at strengthening institutional capacities, improving regulatory frameworks, expanding international and regional cooperation, reinforcing systems for monitoring the international cultural property market, and promoting ongoing awareness-raising campaigns targeting the public, collectors, dealers, museums and digital platforms.
During her remarks, Guiomar Alonso Cano stated:
“The leadership demonstrated by Peru today confirms that the recovery of cultural heritage is possible when political will, strengthened institutions and international cooperation come together. This study not only highlights national progress, but also provides evidence to promote a more robust and effective regional agenda to combat the illicit trafficking of cultural property. UNESCO reaffirms its commitment to continuing to support the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean in building cooperation mechanisms, exchanging information and strengthening capacities to better protect our shared heritage.”
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/peru-consolidates-its-position-regional-leader-recovery-and-restitution-cultural-property?hub=701
