First Protocol to the 1954 Hague Convention

The First Protocol to the 1954 Hague Convention was adopted in 1954 in response to the systematic pillage of cultural property of the occupied territories during the Second World War. The States Parties to the First Protocol agree to undertake the following measures:

  • Prevent exportation of cultural property from an occupied territory in the event of armed conflict;
  • Take into custody cultural property imported into its territory directly or indirectly from any occupied territory;
  • Return to the competent authorities of the previously occupied territory, cultural property which is in its territory, if such property has been exported in contravention of the principles of the 1954 Hague Convention;
  • Pay indemnity to the holders in good faith of any cultural property which has to be returned in accordance with the First Protocol.

Source(s): http://www.unesco.org/new/en/culture/themes/armed-conflict-and-heritage/convention-and-protocols/1954-first-protocol/