Objectives:
The working group explores how restitution of objects from formerly colonised nations fits within decolonising museums and considers how restitution claims could provide basis for long-term relationship-building that transforms collection management, interpretation and display.
Restitution Measures:
None.
Opening dialogue about material heritage of source communities and building relationships between different communities.
Framework Limitations:
The group primarily provides advisory support and strategic guidance rather than direct restitution authority; it advises ICOM on how it can support decolonisation efforts rather than implementing binding decisions on member institutions. While the framework applies to all 139 countries and territories where ICOM operates, the practical implementation and engagement with decolonisation initiatives may vary significantly between different countries and their respective museum communities.
