Art News

UNESCO’s Irina Bokova Calls for Ban in Trade in Haitian Artifacts

DAVOS (AP).- The United Nations’ culture and education agency called Friday for a ban in the trade of Haitian artifacts to prevent the pillaging of cultural treasures in the aftermath of its devastating earthquake. The director-general of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, said in an interview with The Associated Press that the agency is launching a campaign to protect art collections in the Caribbean country’s damaged museums and historical sites “so that we don’t find these objects in Christie’s tomorrow.” The U.N. Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization launched the appeal after learning “a lesson from Iraq and Afghanistan,” where cultural objects were looted after the U.S.-led invasions. “This time, we’re trying to be