Morocco Steps Up Efforts in Battle Against Cultural Property Trafficking

Berlin — Morocco has taken decisive action to confront the illegal trade of cultural property.

The announcement came Monday in Rabat, where Minister of Youth, Mohamed Mehdi Bensaid, opened the work of an international conference dedicated to the role of customs in this global fight.

Bensaid described Morocco’s approach as both firm and forward-looking.

Morocco, he said, views its cultural heritage not as a collection of objects, but as a reflection of human civilization. “These treasures carry the memory of humanity,” he stated, “and bear witness to the creativity and dialogue that have shaped our world.”

International criminal networks continue to exploit conflict zones, legal loopholes, and gaps in technology to smuggle cultural artifacts across borders. Morocco, in response, has focused on tightening its legal arsenal in line with international agreements, including the 1970 UNESCO Convention.

The minister noted the importance of digital tools and documentation in the protection of heritage. Cataloging cultural assets, he said, now forms the first line of defense against theft and smuggling.

A new national law has come into force, introducing fresh restrictions aimed at shutting down harmful practices that threaten cultural property.

On the ground, Morocco works to boost the capacity of its security and judicial systems.

Morocco’s intensified efforts to safeguard its cultural heritage send a clear and defiant message to Algeria, which has repeatedly attempted to appropriate iconic elements of Moroccan identity. From falsely claiming the caftan to rebranding the intricate zellige tilework, Algeria has engaged in a calculated campaign to distort historical truth and erase Morocco’s cultural legacy.

These provocations have not gone unnoticed. 

Bensaid called for deeper cooperation with international partners to ensure proper investigation and prosecution of cultural crimes. Recent operations with countries such as the US and Chile have already led to the recovery of stolen heritage items.

The minister did not hold back when describing the damage caused by illicit trafficking. He called it an attack on collective memory, a force that strengthens terrorism and organized crime, and a direct obstacle to sustainable development.

The problem, he said, requires more than institutional response. Raising awareness must reach beyond experts and authorities. Society at large, citizens, educators, civil institutions, must understand what is at stake.

“Cultural property crosses borders,” he warned, “and the crimes committed against it do not stop at any frontier.”

The conference, organized by ICESCO in cooperation with Qatar’s General Authority of Customs and the National Library of Qatar, brings together specialists from around the world.

Over the course of the week, participants will take part in high-level meetings and a regional workshop, including two targeted training sessions. These focus on core skills in cultural protection and the customs technologies used to safeguard heritage.

Bensaid emphasized the need for shared strategies. Morocco supports global efforts to close black markets, monitor art auctions, and assist conflict-affected countries in recovering their stolen heritage. New technologies, including AI and blockchain, now play a key role in tracking and preserving these assets.

He also stressed the importance of passing this responsibility to future generations. “The protection of cultural heritage is not only a duty,” he said, “but a long-term investment. We must act together, now, to ensure these symbols of civilization remain within reach for those who come after us.”