UNESCO Member States who have lost certain cultural objects of fundamental significance and who are calling for their restitution or return, in cases where international conventions cannot be applied, may call on the Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property to its Countries of Origin or its Restitution in case of Illicit Appropriation.

Functions of the Committee

This Committee is an intergovernmental body with an advisory role. It provides a framework for discussion and negotiation, but its recommendations concerning inter-State disputes are not legally binding.

Essentially, this Committee seeks ways and means of facilitating bilateral negotiations, promoting multilateral and bilateral cooperation with a view to the restitution or return of cultural property as well as fostering a public information campaign on the issue, and promoting exchanges of cultural property.

• Cases of return and restitution under the aegis of the Intergovernmental Committee
• Cases pending before the Committee

Composition of the Committee and terms of office

The Intergovernmental committee comprises 22 Member States, which are from the UNESCO Member States. They have a mandate for four years.