Non-State Actors in the Protection of Cultural Heritage: An Analysis on Their Rights, Obligations, and Roles

This book explores international cultural heritage law from the perspectives of non-state actors (NSAs), highlighting their growing importance in implementing conventions. It analyzes the texts of conventions and practical cases to understand their rights, obligations, and roles. The analysis reveals that NSAs have certain rights and responsibilities but face discrepancies between text and practice. The book emphasizes the need for innovative mechanisms to ensure NSAs attain their proper status and take on practical roles for sustainable cultural heritage protection. It is of interest to students, researchers, and professionals in heritage, the arts, law, administration, and development.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 03 December 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This book offers a comprehensive exploration of international cultural heritage law, delving into the perspectives of non-state actors (NSAs), including communities, experts, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and international organizations. In light of the significant advancements in the status and roles of NSAs in international law over the past century, these entities have become vital participants in the implementation of international cultural heritage conventions. The emergence of new ideas regarding common heritage and cultural rights in the 20th century has led to inconsistencies with states' exclusive authority over cultural heritage protection.

The author conducts a thorough analysis of the texts of international cultural heritage conventions, as well as their operational texts, to trace the essential shifts in the rights, obligations, and roles of NSAs since the mid-20th century. Practical cases are presented to provide empirical insights and enhance the understanding of NSAs' effectiveness in implementing cultural heritage conventions. The analysis reveals that NSAs do possess certain rights and responsibilities in relation to the implementation of cultural heritage conventions, and their roles have been increasingly acknowledged. Nevertheless, discrepancies between the text and practice can be observed when it comes to the status and roles of NSAs. These disparities have arisen for various reasons, including the politicization of conventions governance.

From the perspective of NSAs, this book emphasizes the urgent need to explore innovative and practical mechanisms that will enable NSAs to attain their rightful status and actively engage in practical roles under international cultural heritage law. This will ultimately ensure the sustainable protection of cultural heritage, a vital aspect of our shared human heritage.

Weight: 332g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811666612
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021