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Restitution and repatriation

What is repatriation and restitution?
Repatriation can be described as the process by which cultural objects are returned to a nation or state at the request of a government. Restitution is the process by which cultural objects are returned to an individual or a community. These issues can collectively be referred to as 'return'.

Why are requests made for the return of cultural property?
The circumstances surrounding requests for return are rarely straightforward. Those charged with making a response are likely to encounter incomplete or unverifiable information, differing interpretations of ambiguous situations and cross-cultural misunderstandings, both in the past and in the present.

What steps do I take once a request has been received?
It is important to ensure that the requesting party is confident at all times that your museum is taking a professional approach to the request. Checklist Considering a request will help guide a museum through this process. Checklist Researching validity provides support in ensuring that the request is being made by a recognised authority.  The Decision making template will help you to prepare a report to present to the governing body for them to make a decision on the request.

How does my institution make a decision regarding the request?
A decision to return an object from the collection needs to be made at the highest level of authority and members of the governing body should take an active part in reaching the decision. The decision-making procedure will vary between institutions, depending on their constitution and whether they form part of a larger organisation such as a local authority or a university. Checklist Reaching a decision will guide you through this process. A Model Acquisition and Disposal Policy has been devised by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council as part of the Accreditation Scheme. Examples of policies from museums can be found in Learn More.