Illicit Trafficking of Cultural Properties in Ethiopia: Prevention and Restitution Mechanisms

Abstract

Illicit trafficking of cultural properties is a growing business worldwide. Import and Export of cultural heritages through illicitly trafficking is a multibillion-dollar business which ranks forth next to money laundering, human trafficking, and drug trafficking. It affects all countries, especially those who are rich in cultural properties but week in terms of their protection systems. Ethiopia is considered as cradle of mankind and a country of age-old history. However, due to many external wars and internal conflicts, the country lost many cultural properties. Hence, this research tries to identify some preventive mechanisms of illicit trafficking of cultural properties in the contemporary era. Moreover, it also suggests some restitution mechanisms for those illicitly trafficked properties found abroad. In addition, the study reveals the types or categories of materials/ properties which are exposed to illicit trafficking and factors which lead peoples to involve for such a crime. Generally, the study attempts to answer the questions mentioned above and others.