Museums have no borders,
they have a network
Patrimonial protection
Law for the Protection and Defense of Cultural Heritage
​
This Law aims to establish the principles that must govern the defense of the Cultural Heritage of the Republic, including this: its investigation, rescue, preservation, conservation, restoration, revitalization, revaluation, maintenance, increase, exhibition, custody, surveillance, identification and everything that requires your cultural, material and spiritual protection. Law for the Protection and Defense of Cultural Heritage
International Observatory on Illicit Traffic in Cultural Goods
The International Observatory is a global cooperation platform that shares information and promotes collaboration in the fight against illicit trafficking. It is an innovative tool that acts as an information bank, since it shares on its bilingual website a large number of resources related to the illicit trafficking of cultural property and the means to combat it. As the largest center dedicated to this issue, it concentrates and disseminates all kinds of resources and materials for international public understanding and political orientation.
​
In addition to its potential to collect essential information on the subject, the Observatory also works as a permanent cooperative platform at the international level. This reinforces a strong network of international partners, including: international organizations, law enforcement agencies, research institutions and other interested external specialists. In this sense, it organizes annual meetings aimed at the exchange of information between the main partners.
​
Through collaboration and dissemination of information, the main objectives of the Observatory are: improvement of monitoring methods, data collection, scientific research and promotion of best practices. It also plays an important role in raising awareness of the illicit traffic in cultural property.
Preparation and answer to the emergencies
​
ICOM is firmly committed to assisting museum professionals in disaster recovery and planning emergency response.
​
In accordance with articles 1.6 and 2.21 of the ICOM Code of Ethics for Museums, museums should protect their collections against natural and human disasters. To address this issue, ICOM develops a series of programs, in addition to seeking to raise awareness of heritage in danger and post-disaster situations.
​
Disaster Risk Management Committee – Drmc
​
The Committee for Disaster Risk Management brings together museum professionals to help countries in need deal with emergencies related to cultural heritage.
​
The DRMC is the ICOM Standing Committee dedicated to providing emergency response to natural and human disasters, as well as during and after military conflicts. It works to limit and decrease damage through preventive conservation measures, risk mitigation, and rapid intervention. The Committee acts only at the request of museum professionals or institutions and in the event that the situation exceeds the international response capacity.
​
Its role is to collaborate with the international community (both local and international institutions) to exchange information and cooperate to improve risk management. The DRMC assesses each critical situation as well as the corresponding needs for the development of response mechanisms, for example by preparing damage assessment reports. In addition, the DRMC supports the long-term development of skills for museum professionals and also encourages the development of regional networks. In the same way, the Committee facilitates Museum Watch Lists for critical situations and contributes to No-Strike Lists for the identification of the military situation.
​
ICOM DRMC regularly publishes information about its activities on its Facebook page, and provides a list of resources for emergency response museums and other cultural institutions.