Objective:
The objective of this Act is to put in place a robust legal framework for the preservation and protection of Rwandese cultural heritage and traditional knowledge.
Restitution Measures:
This Act provides a clear legal basis for inventorying, protecting, and returning Rwandan cultural belongings and archives held abroad. It authorises the Minister of Culture to make these demands, affirming the State’s authority to reclaim the country’s cultural heritage. Section 5 specifically outlines provisions for the repatriation and exportation of Rwandan cultural heritage.
Limitations:
For Rwandans this law lacks enforceable benefit-sharing and prior informed consent mechanisms, leaving traditional knowledge vulnerable to misappropriation. When applied externally, the want to repatriate may be met with resistance from other countries’ national laws around deaccessioning.
