Peru's FA Minister highlights recovery of over 10,000 cultural objects since 2015

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Peru

13:35 | Lima, May. 27.

Within the framework of the Foro Cusco (Cusco Forum), Foreign Affairs Minister Elmer Schialer highlighted the recovery of more than 10,000 cultural objects as a significant achievement by Peru in the fight against illegal trafficking of cultural property.

"Our country has achieved significant results in recent years; from 2015 to 2023, more than 10,000 cultural objects were recovered. These achievements are the result of joint work between our national institutions such as the National Police, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, customs, and the international community, with the constant support of UNESCO," he stated.

The government official indicated that the forum is a Peruvian initiative created to promote open dialogue on the protection, return, and restitution of cultural property.

In its third edition, the diplomat noted that the two previous editions have allowed it to establish itself as a regional reference forum for neighboring countries.

"Thanks to its first two editions, the forum has consolidated itself as a regional reference platform and a concrete expression of Peru's commitment to the defense of cultural heritage," he added.

The theme of this third edition, "Trends and perspectives on the protection, return, and restitution of cultural property," reflects a foreign policy approach focused on effective multilateralism and cultural diplomacy as tools to strengthen peace, justice, mutual understanding among peoples, and sustainable development.

Progress at the national level

The minister also commented that the fight against the illicit trafficking of cultural property not only involves ethical and legal responsibility but also a commitment to justice.

Moreover, their loss of cultural property has a significant impact on our ability to understand our history and culture.

Within this context, reference was made to the increasing risks of looting, theft, and illicit trafficking. Similarly, the diplomat highlighted the performance of the relevant authorities.

"The tireless work of foreign service bodies has been key to achieving these results, in coordination, of course, with cultural authorities, supervisory authorities, and law enforcement authorities, as well as with the support of international cooperation," he emphasized.

Minister Schialer concluded by stating that it is essential to recognize the progress at the regional level and the joint efforts of states to strengthen international cooperation mechanisms.

?? | El Perú lidera la protección del patrimonio cultural con el #ForoCusco2025, organizado por la Cancillería y el Ministerio de Cultura, con apoyo de la UNESCO, para fortalecer la lucha regional contra el tráfico ilícito de bienes culturales.

Entérate todos los detalles ?? pic.twitter.com/9MD5oRRcjc
— Cancillería Perú???? (@CancilleriaPeru) May 27, 2025

???? El Perú reafirma su liderazgo regional en la defensa del patrimonio cultural. Desde Cusco, el canciller Elmer Schialer inauguró el III Foro Regional contra el tráfico ilícito de bienes culturales, convocando a 15 países de América Latina y el Caribe a sumar esfuerzos con… pic.twitter.com/3qDx8y1jHn
— Cancillería Perú???? (@CancilleriaPeru) May 27, 2025