Giving things back—the how, when, where and why

Unesco intergovernmental committee is now seeking “a mutually satisfactory resolution to the issue”

The integrity of the historic site did not factor into US strategy, proven by the construction of an adjacent military base

The World Monuments Fund will educate Iraqi experts tasked with keeping the ruins in good condition

The site is considered one of the holiest in Iraq, containing the remains of two of the Prophet's descendants

There are fears that the new station will be a target for insurgents; Unesco powerless to protect the World Heritage site

At least 18 shrines have been attacked since last February, says antiquities head

Scheme is led by former Unesco director

Unesco has published a record of the 1,600 objects acquired by the institution between 1931 and 1985

Israel and India join forces

Artefacts must have left their countries of origin by 1970, the year of the Unesco Convention, or have proper export documentation to be considered for purchase

Academics claim that the dig is “pseudo-archaeology”

Lack of trust between Serbs and Muslims continues to hinder restoration efforts

Switzerland’s is known for its pivotal presence in the underground network that moves illicitly excavated artefacts from country to country

China holds the US responsible for pillaging, however US cannot solve China's problems

Geologists have found the land on the steep slope at the back of the fortress is sliding down at a rate of a centimetre a month

Illicit excavations occur as de-mined areas often show no signs of the riches below the surface so authorities do not deploy heritage security teams

28 out of 60 nominations were added to the list, raising awareness of 'masterpieces' that are under threat from modernisation

Congress is expected to approve a $71.4 million payment to Unesco, the first US contribution in 18 years

Unesco sends out conflicting press releases

As Unesco celebrates the 30th anniversary of the World Heritage Convention, this book analyses the effects of its policies in developing countries

On the eve of the 30th anniversary of the World Heritage Convention, Matsuura explains his reform of Unesco and the return of the US to membership after nearly 20 years

Switzerland also debating new national legislation to make the movement of art and artefacts more transparent

Unesco will convene an international meeting next month to discuss reconstruction

Ancient language, song, dance and performance cannot be kept alive simply in a showcase or tended by curators. This list was produced to highlight their fragility

However, the US and UK say the it conflicts with existing maritime legislation and Russia, Norway, Turkey, and Venezuela vote no

An ongoing effort to restore the ancient site has international teams working altogether but using radically different approaches, resulting in unexpected order

The restrictions were imposed following a 1999 request made by Italy under Article 9 of the Unesco Convention

A full import ban may not be intended by the Chinese, merely a bilateral agreement to implement the 1970 Unesco Convention

There are an estimated three million undiscovered shipwrecks scattered throughout the world’s oceans. UNESCO is calling for a global treaty to protect them. Salvors say it is unrealistic and unworkable.