The Greek and international museum community are deeply concerned and alarmed by the unfolding news about inadequate safekeeping and consequent theft and trading of antiquities from the British Museum collections. The revelations raise legitimate questions about the safety and protection of cultural property in one of the most important museums in the world.

Aside from the serious legal and penal aspect, the actions and practices of those involved are in flagrant contradiction to the Code of Ethics of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), which is
effective for all museums and museum employees and professionals without exception. Internationally established disciplinary and professional standards oblige all members of the museum community to abide by the Code of Ethics. The Code is also the basis of establishing legal controls and regulations worldwide.

The reported illegal actions breach a numerous articles of the Code of Ethics, notably the responsibility of the managing bodies of museums to: document, secure and protect museum collections from natural and human-made disasters; prevent illicit trafficking and trade of cultural heritage; adhere to national law and international conventions; and overall ensure that all museum employees demonstrate professional integrity in the exercise of their duties for the benefit of society as a whole.

The Hellenic National Committee of ICOM justifiably expresses its serious concerns about the safeguarding of the Parthenon Marbles at the British Museum and reserves the right to proceed, within its remit, to legal demarche for their repatriation to our country.