The UNESCO Convention on Cultural Property: Overdue for Implementation

United States law generally permits the legal importation of cultural property that persons have illegally exported from foreign nations. This situation limits the ability of foreign nations to protect their cultural property. UNESCO has drafted a convention to limit the legal importation of illegal exports. Although Congress has ratified this convention, it remains inoperative pending passage of implementing legislation. This comment examines the arguments for and against implementation and concludes that implementation is warranted.