Minister Damaj and Princess Dana inaugurate an international workshop to combat the illicit trade of Yemeni cultural property.

Minister Dhamaj and Princess Dana Launch International Workshop on Cultural Heritage Protection

In a significant step towards safeguarding Yemen’s cultural heritage, Minister of Culture and Tourism, Muti Dhamaj, and Princess Dana Firas, President of the Jordanian National Heritage Fund and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, inaugurated an international workshop today in Amman, Jordan. The workshop focuses on combating the illicit trafficking of Yemeni cultural properties and aims to establish a sustainable national mechanism for coordinating efforts to protect cultural heritage.

Workshop Goals and Diverse Participation

The workshop will run for seven days, featuring participants from various governmental and cultural institutions, including:

• Ministry of Culture and Tourism
• Ministry of Interior (Interpol, Border Security, and Airports)
• Ministry of Legal Affairs
• Antiquities Prosecution Office
• General Authority for Antiquities and Museums and its branches
• Customs Authority

Additionally, international experts and regional organizations specializing in cultural heritage protection will contribute to the discussions. The primary goal is to form a Yemeni task force dedicated to combating the illicit trade of cultural properties while enhancing coordination among national institutions and developing their capabilities.

Dhamaj: A National Responsibility to Protect Yemeni Heritage

Minister Dhamaj emphasized that the workshop represents a significant national and humanitarian responsibility to protect Yemen’s cultural heritage from theft and smuggling. He expressed gratitude to Jordan for hosting the workshop and acknowledged the ongoing support from the United States and Yemen’s partners in safeguarding Yemeni heritage.

Dhamaj highlighted the heavy toll that Yemen’s cultural heritage has endured during the years of conflict instigated by the Houthi militia. Many archaeological sites, monuments, and collections have suffered from looting, theft, and illegal trafficking, exacerbated by the weakened capacity of national institutions to enforce protection and law.

Towards a Comprehensive National System for Protection and Recovery

Dhamaj outlined that addressing the threat of illicit trafficking in cultural properties requires integrated efforts among state agencies and collaboration with friendly nations. This comprehensive approach should encompass documentation, protection, monitoring, investigation, customs, security, and legal and diplomatic cooperation.

He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to developing a sustainable national mechanism for coordination among relevant entities. This mechanism will ensure clear responsibilities, facilitate information exchange, and establish procedures for handling theft and smuggling cases, while connecting national institutions with regional and international partners.

The workshop marks a crucial step in Yemen’s ongoing efforts to protect its rich cultural heritage and recover what has been lost during years of conflict.

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