First Protocol to the 1954 Hague Convention

A Protocol specific to the protection of movable cultural property in the event of occupation was also adopted in 1954 along with the 1954 Hague Convention.
Last update:16 August 2023

What does the First Protocol cover?

The First Protocol regulates the protection of cultural property during occupation through the following :

  • Prohibition of all exportations from the occupied territory and the requirement of its return to the territory of the State from which the property was exported;
  • Prohibition of retention of cultural property. When the occupation ends, the State must return the cultural object to the formerly occupied authorities;
  • Prohibition of the sale of the cultural property. If the cultural property is sold, the purchaser is entitled to fair compensation to be paid by the occupying power.