For several years, the trafficking and smuggling of heritage items from libraries and archives have been rising. In the MENA and West and Central Africa regions, this phenomenon is greater due to the number of nations suffering from conflict and upheaval. Moreover, trafficking may be linked to criminal and terrorist groups, which use it as a means to increase their income and launder money.

The various international organizations in charge of countering the trafficking of artifacts have been focused on the illegal circulation of archaeological and artistic items. Little has been done until now with respect to documentary heritage, which is even more at risk because it is less protected by national legislation and is easier to move illegally. We will discuss and present these specific issues and challenges, in addition to the "Himaya" project suggested by Qatar National Library to support efforts to counter the trafficking and illegal circulation of the documentary heritage. The event will be conducted online via VoiceBoxer.

Opening Speech:

Dr. Hamda Al-Sulaiti, Secretary General of Qatari National Committee For Education, Culture and Science

Speakers:

• Dr. Rajaa Ben Salamah, General Director of the National Library of Tunisia
• Dr. Alsharqi Dahmali, Member of the Advisory Council of the International Council of Museums (ICOM), Morroco
• Stephane J. Ipert, Director of the IFLA PAC at Qatar National Library

Moderator:

Maxim Nasra, Book Conservation Specialist at Qatar National Library

Date: 7 July 2020

Time: 1:00 – 2:00 PM 

Language: Arabic, with English interpretation provided

Target Audience: Professionals interested in documentary heritage and related law enforcement officers

Seats are limited, please click the button below to register.