The Nicosia Convention 2017: A New International Instrument Regarding Criminal Offences against Cultural Property

This article introduces a new treaty on the protection of cultural property: the Council of Europe’s Convention on Offences relating to Cultural Property (“the Nicosia Convention”), sometimes referred to as the “Blood Antiquities Convention”. Opened for signature on 19 May 2017, it is considered to be an expression of hopes regarding the prevention of destruction and illicit trade of cultural objects. The Nicosia Convention obliges its State Parties to implement common standards in criminal law in relation to cultural property. The recognition and implementation of equal measures for criminal offences can fill the gap in international cooperation in that field, particularly in times of instability or conflict. The treaty opens a new perspective, but its effectiveness depends however on the readiness of States to sign and effectively implement its regime in their respective domestic legal systems. This article focuses on the basic questions regarding the conditions of effectiveness of this treaty, the context of its adoption, and its envisaged consequences for the protection of cultural property.