Young Africans add to pressure on museums over looted art, says UN
January 27, 2025
A new generation of Africans is increasing pressure on Western museums to return looted artefacts, reflecting growing awareness and changing attitudes, says Unesco’s Ernesto Ottone. While countries like France and Britain hold vast collections of stolen cultural heritage, restitution efforts remain complex, often requiring bespoke laws. Some items, like Benin bronzes and Madagascar’s royal crown, have been loaned, but widespread returns face legal and political resistance, stalling progress.
