The Commission for Historically Contested Cultural Heritage now accepts applications

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As of now, applications for a recommendation can be submitted to the Commission for Historically Contested Cultural Heritage (KHBK). This is based on the procedural rules that the commission adopted at its third meeting on 18 September 2026. Today the commission informed the public at a press conference about this important step and gave insight into the current status of its work. This includes hearings of federal institutions on cultural property owned by the Confederation. The commission also presented two projects: first, it sees a need for a stocktaking of human remains ("Human" or "Ancestral Remains") in Swiss collections and institutions. Second, it wants to engage in dialogue with museums and other actors on dealing with historically contested cultural heritage.

Mediation or recommendation

The procedural rules specify the legal requirements and govern the steps leading to a recommendation. Each procedure begins with an application, submitted depending on the case by one or both parties. First, the commission examines whether an amicable settlement is possible through mediation. This is particularly suitable in cases where the parties' positions have not yet hardened. This allows the commission to adapt its approach to the specific circumstances of each case and initially support a mediated solution. Only if no agreement can be reached in this way does the procedure leading to a recommendation begin.

The commission's recommendations are based on internationally recognised standards and are not legally binding. In addition to the return of an object, the commission may also recommend other forms of a just and fair solution.

Source

Verbatim excerpts from the press release of the Federal Office of Culture (FOC) of 30 September 2026: «Die Kommission für historisch belastetes Kulturerbe nimmt ab jetzt Gesuche entgegen» [translation: "The Commission for Historically Contested Cultural Heritage now accepts applications"]. https://www.admin.ch/de/newnsb/-BLmyNPsqWfD

The Commission for Historically Contested Cultural Heritage now accepts applications

Mediation or recommendation

Source

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