India Calls for Stronger Global Cooperation on Return of Cultural Properties
New York — India has called for stronger international cooperation to facilitate the return and restitution of cultural properties and heritage to their countries and communities of origin.
Sibi George, Secretary (West) at the Ministry of External Affairs, made the remarks during a high-level side event at the United Nations General Assembly, the ministry said Thursday.
George participated in the event, “From Commitments to Action on Reparatory Justice,” co-hosted by Ghana, Germany and France.
“Secretary (West) Sibi George participated in the High-Level Side Event, ‘From Commitments to Action on Reparatory Justice,’ co-hosted by Ghana, Germany and France. He highlighted the need for stronger international cooperation to facilitate the return and restitution of cultural properties and heritage to their countries and communities of origin,” the ministry said in a post on X.
Earlier, George reaffirmed India’s commitment to inclusive development, international cooperation and reform of multilateral institutions while delivering India’s national statement at a high-level UN General Assembly session marking the 40th anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development.
He also expressed support for the early adoption of the Covenant on the Right to Development.
“Secretary (West) Sibi George delivered India’s National Statement at the High-level segment of the UN General Assembly to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Declaration on the Right to Development. He reaffirmed India’s commitment to inclusive development, international cooperation and multilateral reform, and supported the early adoption of the Covenant on the Right to Development,” the ministry said.
The United Nations describes the right to development as an inalienable human right under which people are entitled to participate in, contribute to and benefit from economic, social, cultural and political development while fully realizing human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The UN said the declaration has guided national and international efforts involving sustainable development, poverty reduction, social inclusion and international cooperation over the past four decades.
It added that while significant progress has been made in improving living standards, reducing extreme poverty and expanding access to education and health care, development remains uneven around the world. (Source: IANS)
