France passes landmark law to return looted colonial-era artifacts
French President Emmanuel Macron has signed a law to simplify the return of cultural artifacts looted during the colonial era. The move delivers on a 2017 promise made in Burkina Faso to address historical injustices tied to France’s past. The legislation covers items acquired between November 20, 1815, and April 23, 1972. This period includes the 1860 sacking of Beijing’s Old Summer Palace by Franco-British forces, during which countless artifacts were taken.
Under the new law, the French government can remove items from public ownership by decree. Previously, each restitution required a separate parliamentary vote. If an artifact belongs to a local authority or institution, their approval is still needed before transfer. France has already returned several significant pieces under similar efforts. In 2020, 26 Abomey treasures were sent back to Benin, along with the sword of El Hadj Omar to Senegal.
China has welcomed the law, calling it a positive step toward deeper cooperation on artifact restitution. The measure now provides a clearer legal path for future returns, though each case will depend on ownership and historical context.
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