UN signs resolution bolstering bid for return of Parthenon Marbles

The UN General Assembly Plenary has adopted a resolution that could bolster Greece’s ongoing bid for the return of the Parthenon sculptures from the British Museum in London.

The resolution, titled “Return or restitution of cultural property to the countries of origin,” calls on member-states to mobilize for the return of stolen cultural treasures and makes express reference to the return of the marble sculptures removed from the Acropolis by Lord Elgin in the early 19th century.

The resolution was put forward by Greece and endorsed by 74 member-states. It also called for measures to protect cultural property, with reference to destruction by ISIS in the Middle East.