1. Dr. Lee Keun-gwan, Professor of Law at Seoul National University, was elected as Chair of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for Promoting the Return of Cultural Property to its Countries of Origin or its Restitution in Case of Illicit Appropriation (ICPRCP) for a two-year term at the 18th meeting of the Intergovernmental Committee, held at UNESCO headquarters in Paris on June 22.

2. The ICPRCP was established in 1978 to provide a framework for discussion and negotiation on the return of cultural property to its countries of origin in case of illicit appropriation. The work of the Committee includes facilitating bilateral negotiations for the return of cultural property, improving multilateral cooperation, encouraging related research, and conducting PR activities to enhance public awareness.

3. The Republic of Korea has served as a member of the Committee since 1989, and has worked to make substantive contributions to its activities, including hosting an extraordinary meeting of the ICPRCP in Seoul to mark its thirtieth anniversary in 2008. The ROK’s such contributions have been highly recognized by the ICPRCP and the UNESCO Secretariat.

4. Following Dr. Lee’s election as Chair of the ICPRCP, the ROK will further make efforts to strengthen its international status and contribution by taking the lead in discussing the protection and return of cultural property. The ROK will also work to create an international environment conducive to the return of our cultural property. 


                    Spokesperson and Deputy Minister for Public Relations of MOFAT

* unofficial translation