ATHAR Project Inc

The ATHAR Project Inc is a US-based nonprofit organization dedicated to investigating and documenting the illegal trade of antiquities online. The name "ATHAR" comes from the Arabic word meaning "antiquities," reflecting the project's focus on protecting cultural heritage.

Background

The ATHAR Project is led by a team of anthropologists and heritage experts who work to expose platforms and actors involved in antiquities trafficking. It was founded after its members identified a significant rise in the online sale of looted antiquities on social media platforms like Facebook.

Mission

The organization's primary mission is to combat the transnational trafficking of cultural property and its connection to terrorism financing and organized crime. ATHAR Project works closely with various partners, including UNESCO and the Alliance to Counter Crime Online, to monitor and report on illegal online marketplaces.

Activities

Key activities include monitoring Facebook groups suspected of facilitating antiquities trafficking. In 2019, ATHAR Project identified over 95 such groups on Facebook, which included members connected to militant groups like ISIS. The project also collaborates with international bodies to develop strategies for combating illicit trade.

Research and Advocacy

ATHAR Project conducts extensive research on the mechanisms of online antiquities trafficking, focusing particularly on how social media platforms can inadvertently facilitate these illegal activities. The organization advocates for social media companies to adopt more robust policies against the trade of illicit artifacts and for preserving online evidence to aid in future repatriation efforts and legal actions.

Leadership

The project is co-directed by Katie A. Paul, an anthropologist specializing in the trafficking of cultural property, and Amr Al-Azm, a founder of The Day After project and coordinator of the Heritage Protection Initiative.

Significance

ATHAR Project plays a crucial role in highlighting the role of social media in facilitating illicit antiquities trade and in promoting international cooperation to protect cultural heritage from theft and trafficking. Its work supports broader global efforts to combat crime and preserve historical artifacts for their rightful owners.