The illicit trafficking of cultural property poses a significant threat to Bosnia and Herzegovina’s (BiH) cultural heritage and security.
Centre Against Trafficking in Works of Art President Dženan Jusufović emphasized this concern during a recent three-day training session organized by the OSCE Mission to BiH, in collaboration with CPKU and the Agency for Education and Professional Training in Mostar, Bosnia.
The event brought together law enforcement officials, prosecutors, cultural ministry representatives, academics, and NGOs to address the complexities of cultural property trafficking.
“Smuggling of art and cultural goods poses a serious threat to security. It fuels organized crime and terrorism while jeopardizing our cultural heritage. This training provided crucial information to enhance the capacity of investigative bodies and strengthen border security,” says Jusufović.
The training addressed both local and international dimensions of the illegal art trade, proposing measures to combat organized crime and terrorism linked to such activities.
Participants engaged in hands-on sessions, including visits to the Franciscan Museum and Gallery in Široki Brijeg, where they learned about protecting public and private collections.
In Tomislavgrad, discussions focused on preserving archaeological sites and combating illegal excavations, with a visit to the Museum of Fra Jozo Križić providing practical insights.
The OSCE Mission announced a two-month social media campaign to raise public awareness about the importance of cultural property protection and encourage the reporting of suspected trafficking cases.
According to Jusufović, systemic reforms in line with UNESCO recommendations are crucial. BiH must prioritize harmonizing its legislation, establishing comprehensive records and databases, and forming specialized law enforcement units to protect cultural property effectively.
The OSCE Mission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting BiH’s efforts to combat art smuggling and protect its cultural heritage, working to raise awareness among policymakers and stakeholders about the importance of these initiatives.
The significance of these efforts is underscored by recent operations.
In May 2023, an international art trafficking operation led to 60 arrests and the recovery of over 11,000 objects, including 13 archaeological artifacts seized at a post office in BiH.
Additionally, in October 2024, the OSCE Mission, in cooperation with CPKU and AEPTM, organized a training on combating illicit trafficking in cultural property, highlighting the ongoing commitment to addressing this issue.
These initiatives align with UNESCO’s recommendations for safeguarding cultural heritage, emphasizing the need for legislative harmonization, comprehensive documentation, and specialized enforcement units.
By implementing these measures, BiH aims to strengthen its defences against the illicit trade of cultural property and preserve its rich cultural heritage for future generations.
