ResourcesCultural property advice Ethical contexts

Ethical contexts

A number of ethical principles relating to the acquisition, sale, lending or borrowing of cultural property are enshrined in codes, both in the cultural heritage sector and the commercial world. These principles and codes often overlap, and when dealing with cultural property an appropriate balance or expert advice may be needed. Ethical considerations might include:

  • Professional conduct – observing accepted standards and laws; safeguarding individuals and communities against illegal or unethical professional conduct; respecting laws and conventions that regulate the import, export and transfer of cultural property; practising due diligence; and operating in an open and honest way.
  • Respecting the origin of cultural property – initiating dialogues for the return of cultural property to a country or people of origin; returning cultural property that can be demonstrated to have been exported or transferred in violation of the principles of international and national conventions.
  • Doing no harm – avoiding harm to an individual or a community or the general public.
  • Respect for diversity of belief – showing respect for individuals, cultural groups and communities; giving consideration to the cultural and historical backgrounds, beliefs and values relevant to all parties concerned.
  • Solidarity – recognising that we all have a shared humanity and an interest in furthering common goals and tolerating differences that respect fundamental human rights; rising above our differences to find common ground through co-operation and consensus.