According to an official government announcement, the resolution was tabled on March 22, during the 37th session of the Human Rights Council. It was tabled by a cross-regional core group of states led by Cyprus, which also included Ethiopia, Argentina, Switzerland, Greece, Iraq, Ireland, Italy, Mali, Poland and Serbia.

“The resolution unconditionally condemns any unlawful act which causes the destruction of cultural heritage and expresses the deep concern of the Human Rights Council regarding acts of looting, theft, smuggling and illicit trafficking in cultural property, which inevitably impact the enjoyment of cultural rights by all,” the announcement read.

The resolution, among other things, also calls for the enhancement of international cooperation at all levels to better prevent and combat the problem. It underlines the need for the return of stolen cultural property to countries of origin, and the importance of early restoration at cultural rights to all those affected by armed conflict, especially those who are displaced.