This guide is an ECOWAS document, developed and validated by the lawyers and cultural heritage experts of the Member States, under the coordination of the Art and Culture Division.
It is a guide for the formulation of restitution requests. The use of this open access document in whole or in part is not binding on ECOWAS.
It is recommended that each Member State draw inspiration from it in the process of restitution of its cultural property.
The guide has sections on:
- Making a formal request
- Accompanying measures (e.g. the establishment of a national commission)
- Points of vigilance (e.g. do not set chronological limits on the history of dispossession; ensure transfer of ownership free of charge and conditions)
In 2023, 30 lawyers of 15 ECOWAS member states were trained already in dealing with restitution claims.
