#RussiaWithAfrica

🇷🇺🇺🇳 Russia calls for greater international cooperation on the return of Africa’s cultural heritage

On 23 September in New York, on the sidelines of the High-Level Segment of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, Russian MFA Director of the Department of International Organisations Kirill Logvinov took part in a high-level event initiated by Ghana, “From Commitment to Action on Reparatory Justice: Strengthening International Cooperation on the Return and Restitution of Cultural Property and Heritage.”

❗️ In his remarks, Kirill Logvinov stressed that colonialism and the transatlantic slave trade are crimes against humanity, the consequences of which are still felt today, including in the cultural sphere.

He called on states to responsibly fulfil their obligations under the relevant UNESCO Convention on preventing the illicit import, export and transfer of ownership of cultural property, as well as commitments set out in relevant UN General Assembly resolutions.

⚠️ He also highlighted the importance of implementing the Declaration of the Second Russia-Africa Summit, including efforts to complete the decolonisation of Africa and address the damage inflicted on African states as a result of colonial policies.

The event was attended by President of Ghana John Dramani Mahama, President of Liberia Joseph Boakai, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and UNESCO Director-General Khaled El-Enany.

☝️ Participants noted gradual progress in returning cultural artefacts to Africa, the need for greater investment in the cultural sector, and the importance of regional cooperation mechanisms to preserve Africa’s cultural heritage.

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