Inception Training Course on “Cultural Property Protection and Illicit Trafficking in Sudan”

Fondazione Santagata, under the auspices of the UNESCO Regional Office for Egypt and Sudan, in cooperation with Archi.Media Trust and with the support of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), launches the Inception Training Course on Cultural Property Protection and Illicit Trafficking in Sudan. This initiative aims to strengthen competences and raise awareness about the protection of Sudan rich cultural heritage, which is increasingly at risk due to ongoing conflict and the growing threat of illicit trafficking.

Concept

The protection of cultural heritage in conflict zones has become an urgent global challenge, particularly in Sudan, where ongoing political instability has led to severe threats to museums, archives, and historical collections. As reports confirm widespread looting of artefacts from national institutions, addressing illicit trafficking has become a priority for the international cultural community.

This training course is developed in response to this crisis, providing Sudanese experts with the legal, technical, and operational skills to prevent, detect, and counter illicit trade in cultural property. The program is based on international conventions and best practices, ensuring that participants gain both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in applying heritage protection mechanisms.

Objectives

The course is designed to:

• Develop expertise among Sudanese professionals in international cultural heritage conventions and their application in crisis situations.
• Support Sudan’s museum sector by providing tools and strategies to prevent the loss, destruction, and illegal trade of cultural assets.
• Enhance advocacy efforts through media campaigns and public awareness initiatives to promote the protection of cultural heritage in conflict zones.
• Foster international cooperation, enabling participants to connect with global experts and institutions dedicated to heritage protection.

This training programme represents a crucial step in empowering Sudanese cultural professionals with the necessary skills and networks to protect their heritage and combat illicit trafficking, ensuring the preservation of Sudan’s rich history for future generations.

Course Structure

This online training, scheduled for March 2025, is designed to equip 50 Sudanese cultural heritage professionals with the knowledge and tools to combat illicit trafficking of cultural properties. The course is part of a broader program aimed at capacity-building, awareness-raising, and advocacy to safeguard Sudan’s museum sector, which is increasingly at risk due to ongoing conflict and illegal trade.

The training program is structured over two weeks and is delivered online, combining lectures, case studies, practical exercises, and simulations. Participants will explore the following key themes:

1. Introduction to Cultural Heritage Protection

• Overview of the challenges in Sudan and other conflict-affected regions.
• Role of international institutions in heritage safeguarding.

2. Legal Frameworks: International Conventions

• The 1954 Hague Convention and its two Protocols on the protection of cultural property in armed conflicts.
• The 1970 UNESCO Convention on illicit trafficking and measures for the prevention, restitution, and cooperation.
• The 1995 UNIDROIT Convention on stolen or illegally exported cultural objects.

3. Operational Tools for Illicit Trafficking Prevention

• ICOM Red Lists and Object ID system for identifying and tracking stolen artefacts.
• Blue Shield initiatives for protecting cultural property in times of conflict.
• Practical applications of risk assessment and emergency planning for museums and collections.

4. Hands-On Exercises and Case Studies

• Simulated scenarios on identification, restitution, and legal claims for stolen cultural property.
• International case studies on successful interventions against illicit trafficking.

5. Awareness and Advocacy Strategies

• Media campaigns and public engagement strategies for heritage protection.
• The role of INTERPOL, the Carabinieri TPC, and other enforcement agencies in cultural heritage crime prevention.

Partners

This initiative is made possible through the collaboration of leading institutions and experts in the field of cultural heritage protection:

• Fondazione Santagata per l’Economia della Cultura – Implementing partner leading the course development and delivery.
• UNESCO Regional Office for Egypt and Sudan – Providing expertise and institutional support within the framework of Italy Funds-in-Trust (FIT #534SUD4000).
• Archi.Media Trust – Contributing to content development and strategic planning.
• Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) – Funding the project and supporting international cooperation for cultural heritage protection.
• International Experts and Organizations – Including representatives from INTERPOL, the Carabinieri TPC, Blue Shield International, and ICOM, ensuring a comprehensive and high-impact training experience.

More info here: info@fondazionesantagata.it