Creative Commons

This dissertation was written as part of the MA in Art, Law and Economy at the International Hellenic University and it examines the role of UNESCO in cases of repatriation requests of cultural property from their countries of origin . It also outlines how the UNESCO "Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property to its Countries of Origin or its Restitution in case of Illicit Appropr ia tion" contributes to that mission. What role does the Organization and its Conventions play? How much has been achieved since the Committee’s establishment? By examining the results from the research on the 1970 UNESCO Convention, its developing features t hroughout the years and the Intergovernmental Committee’s structure and work we obtain a clear view of the developments on cultural property restitution worldwide . By analyzing the cases that were successfully resolved thanks to the Committee’s involvement we comprehend its complex impact and major influence. In conclusion this dissertation presents an appraisal of the overall contribution of UNESCO and the ‘Intergov ernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property to its Countries of Origin or its Restitution in case of Illicit Appropriation’ and the expectations on cultural property restitution in the foreseeable future.