logo
Museums and auction houses should not hold human remains, UK lawmakers say

Museums and auction houses should not hold human remains, UK lawmakers say

Yahoo14-03-2025

Lawmakers and campaigners in the United Kingdom are pushing for an end to the display of human remains in museums and the sale of human body parts in auction houses.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Afrikan-Reparations (APPG-AR), which is made up of parliamentarians, campaigners and community members, released a report Wednesday calling for a ban on the sale and display of ancestral remains, including Egyptian mummies.
At present, the law that regulates the storage and use of human remains in the UK only requires consent for acquiring and holding body tissue from people under 100 years old.
The Human Tissue Act 2004 also only prohibits people from buying, selling and possessing body parts for transplantation.
The report, titled 'Laying Ancestors to Rest,' outlined the distress caused to diaspora communities by British institutions holding ancestral remains, many of which were taken during colonial rule.
'The mummified person has historically been traded among the upper classes of Britain and France as a luxurious commodity, also featuring as entertainment in British 'mummy unwrapping parties' in the 19th century,' the report said.
'In more recent times, Egyptian mummified persons have been transformed to the popularised, haunted 'mummy' figure, which reduces Egyptian heritage to exoticised mystique for the Western audience,' it added.
The report made 14 recommendations, including that the sale of human remains should be made illegal; the Human Tissue Act 2004 should be amended to include the remains of people who died more than 100 years ago; the boards of trustees for national museums should be representative of the diasporas in society; and funders should dedicate resources to mapping the inventory of ancestral remains in the UK's cultural institutions.
Guidance for museums and other institutions on how to care for human remains was published by the British government back in 2005.
Under that guidance, museums can decide on a case-by-case basis whether or not to return human remains, if requested.
During a debate on the issue in the House of Lords, Parliament's upper house, on Thursday, Fiona Twycross, a junior minister in the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, acknowledged that the guidance was dated and 'the world has changed substantially' since then.
She added that incomplete databases and collections also make it hard to know where human remains are being kept but said the recommendations put forward in the report 'will inform the government's consideration' of the issues.
In the debate, Paul Boateng, a peer from the governing Labour party, described the trade of human body parts as an 'abomination.'
'This abominable trade must stop, and the continued retention and objectifying of the remains of Indigenous peoples in our public collections, against the will of their descendants and the originating communities concerned, must cease,' he added.
He was among several politicians to praise the 'good practice' of the Pitt Rivers museum in Oxford, which removed 120 artifacts, including an Egyptian mummified child, Naga trophy heads and shrunken heads, from display in 2020 as part of its 'decolonization process,' because the items 'reiterated racial stereotypes.'
Professor Laura Van Broekhoven, director of the Pitt Rivers Museum, told CNN in a statement Friday that the museum is 'very supportive' of the calls to 'ban the sales of human remains and the display of human remains in public museums.'
She added that her museum's approach 'rehumanises our museums and our collections in unprecedented ways, bringing opportunities of true partnerships, that work towards global healing and peace building.'
During the parliamentary debate, Boateng criticized the British Museum in London for refusing to hand over several preserved Māori tattooed heads and the skulls of two named individuals from the Torres Strait islands.
He added that the museum was 'forever seemingly on the defensive and on the back foot' and in need of 'long-overdue reform.'
Twycross said ministers regularly meet with the museum and that she would ensure that this was raised as an issue.
The British Museum holds more than 6,000 human remains, according to its website, which it says 'furthers our understanding of the past' and advances research.
'The Museum is mindful of ethical obligations and closely follows the guidance set out by the Department of Culture, Media and Sports and the Human Tissue Act 2004 which ensures that human remains held in its care are always treated and displayed with respect and dignity,' a spokesman for the museum told CNN in a statement Friday.
Controversy surrounding the display and auction of human remains persists globally.
In October, the Swan auction house in Oxfordshire, England, was forced to withdraw more than two dozen lots of human remains, including shrunken heads and ancestral skulls, from sale after an outcry in the UK and India.
In 2023, the head of the Smithsonian Institution in the United States apologized for amassing a collection of tens of thousands of body parts, largely taken from Black and Indigenous people without their consent, during the first half of the 20th century.
The same year, London's Hunterian Museum stopped exhibiting the skeleton of an 18th-century man known as the 'Irish Giant,' who grew to be 7 feet, 7 inches tall and wanted to be buried at sea to prevent his body being seized by anatomists.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Trump admin slams UK, Canada, Australia and others who sanctioned Israeli officials
Trump admin slams UK, Canada, Australia and others who sanctioned Israeli officials

Yahoo

time30 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

Trump admin slams UK, Canada, Australia and others who sanctioned Israeli officials

The Trump administration slammed the U.K., Norway, Canada, New Zealand and Australia after the five nations imposed sanctions and travel bans—along with other actions—against Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. "These sanctions do not advance U.S.-led efforts to achieve a ceasefire, bring all hostages home, and end the war," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement. "We reject any notion of equivalence: Hamas is a terrorist organization that committed unspeakable atrocities, continues to hold innocent civilians hostage, and prevents the people of Gaza from living in peace. We remind our partners not to forget who the real enemy is. The United States urges the reversal of the sanctions and stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel." Israel Objects To Foreign Nations Sanctioning Its Officials Ben-Gvir praised Rubio for his statement, saying that "the American administration is a moral compass in the face of the confusion of some Western countries that choose to appease terrorist organizations like Hamas." He added that Israel would continue its fight against terrorism. Israeli Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa'ar also thanked Rubio for being "a clear moral voice" and said the U.S. official's statement "should be a compass to the international community, to all those preaching [to] Israel, ignoring realities." Sa'ar condemned the U.K., Norway, Canada, New Zealand and Australia's "outrageous" actions against Ben-Gvir and Smotrich on Tuesday. He said the "actions and decisions against Israel also contribute to hardening Hamas' stance in the negotiations for the hostage deal—and distance it and the ceasefire." Read On The Fox News App Netanyahu Accuses The Uk, France And Canada Of 'Enabling Hamas' In a joint statement issued by the foreign ministers of U.K., Norway, Canada, New Zealand and Australia, Ben-Gvir and Smotrich were accused of inciting "extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights." All five nations whose foreign ministers issued the joint statement have been critical of Israel as it pursued its post-Oct. 7 war against Hamas. In May, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the U.K., France and Canada of "enabling Hamas" after the countries demanded that Jerusalem halt its military campaign in Gaza. "I say to President Macron, Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Starmer: When mass murderers, rapists, baby killers and kidnappers thank you, you're on the wrong side of justice," Netanyahu said in a video statement. "You're on the wrong side of humanity and you're on the wrong side of history." Australia and New Zealand also issued a joint statement on the Israel-Hamas war in December 2024 in which they called for a ceasefire in Gaza and scolded Israel over its treatment of U.N. agencies, such as the controversial United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). In his Tuesday statement, Sa'ar said Israel will convene a government meeting early next week to discuss its response to the actions taken against the article source: Trump admin slams UK, Canada, Australia and others who sanctioned Israeli officials

Ukraine bracing for 'painful' reduction in US military aid after Hegseth announces cuts
Ukraine bracing for 'painful' reduction in US military aid after Hegseth announces cuts

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

Ukraine bracing for 'painful' reduction in US military aid after Hegseth announces cuts

Editor's note: For security reasons, the real names of the soldiers mentioned in this story have not been used. A reduction in U.S. military aid to Ukraine would be "painful" and could have potentially "dire consequences" for the global order, Ukrainian lawmakers and soldiers have told the Kyiv Independent. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on June 10 signalled the move is almost certain to happen as he discussed Washington's defense budget for 2026 during a congressional hearing. Highlighting the Trump administration's "very different view" of the war in Ukraine compared to that of Joe Biden's, Hegseth insisted a "negotiated peaceful settlement is in the best interest of both parties and our nation's interests." Though he didn't reveal specific details of the cuts, Ukraine is already bracing for its effects and looking for options to fill the likely sizable gap in support, lawmaker Iryna Friz, a parliamentary committee member on national security, defense, and intelligence, told the Kyiv Independent. Friz said there is a "whole range" of military aid that Ukraine simply cannot obtain from other Western allies, and any reduction in these capabilities will be "painful." "But I am convinced that instead of being emotionally affected by such statements (from Hegseth) or frustrated, Ukraine must demonstrate its readiness to strengthen its defense capabilities and increase communication with its partners to continue to defend its sovereignty," Friz added. With U.S. President Donald Trump's return to the White House, Washington has sharply shifted its policy toward Ukraine. Even though Ukraine still receives military aid approved by the Biden administration, and intelligence continues to flow, Trump has already temporarily halted both once, and no new aid packages have been announced in the almost five months of Trump's presidency. Ukraine continues to hold the line against Russia's grinding and slow advances, but any reduction in U.S. aid will likely affect Kyiv's ability to fight back against Moscow's forces, as well as undermining ongoing U.S.-led peace efforts. "This reduction of military support might undermine our defensive capabilities, which, in turn, might translate into more casualties both among our soldiers and civilians," lawmaker Oleksandr Merezhko, the chair of the parliament's foreign affairs policy, told the Kyiv Independent. "When (Russian President Vladimir) Putin is preparing for a summer offensive, according to some sources, it sends the wrong signal, because Putin might take it as encouragement to double down on the war efforts," Merezhko added. Read also: Ukraine's SBU releases fresh video of Operation Spiderweb, teases 'new surprises' Since the start of the full-scale invasion, the U.S. has given Ukraine around $74 billion in military aid, and has provided weapons that have changed the course of events both on the front line and in cities hundreds of kilometers away from it. Washington has sent Ukraine several million rounds of ammunition, tanks, armored vehicles, long-range ATACMS missiles, HIMARS, and cutting-edge Patriot air defense systems that are Ukraine's only effective defense against Russian ballistic missiles. But under the Trump administration, as well as not receiving new military aid packages, some weapons that were intended for Ukrainian troops have been diverted elsewhere. According to Zelensky, while then-Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin was in the office, the U.S. pledged to give Ukraine 20,000 missiles to defend against Shahed-type drones, which Russia launches almost every night against Ukrainian cities. "It was inexpensive, but it is a special technology. We were counting on these 20,000 missiles," Zelensky said in an interview with ABC published on June 8. "This morning, my defense minister told me that the U.S. has moved them to the Middle East." Ukrainian soldiers interviewed by The Kyiv Independent criticized Washington's recent moves but were not surprised. "Trump and his entire team are ridiculous cowards. They want to make a deal with (Vladimir) Putin on his terms and sacrifice part of Ukraine. It is more profitable for them," Bart, a Special Forces sniper fighting in Ukraine's East, said. "Reducing American aid is bad for the front line. We depend on it, on their intelligence," he added. Ihor, a Ukrainian soldier who also serves on the eastern front, echoed Bart's stance, adding the new U.S. policies will have "dire consequences" for the global order. "The U.S. is positioning itself as weak, which will allow dictatorships worldwide to increase pressure (on other countries), and America will not interfere," he said. In light of the U.S,'s shifting stance, Ukraine's European allies have pledged to step up military support but countries on the continent are dogged by a decades-long underinvestment in defense production capability. Ukraine is therefore looking for other options, such as developing its own domestic military production and purchasing American weapons with the help of European partners. In early June, a Ukrainian delegation led by Presidential Office head Andriy Yermak visited the U.S. to discuss further support for Ukraine's defense and potential purchases of American weapons. "We are ready to buy some of it, especially missile defense equipment. The congressmen understand (the issue) and want to move forward with providing Ukraine with everything it needs," Yermak said on June 6 on national television. However, following the Ukrainian delegation's visit, there has been no further action or response from Washington on potential arms supplies or weapons sales to Ukraine and its allies. Natalia Yermak contributed to this story. Read also: America's weak strongman We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.

UK agrees to check-free land border for Gibraltar but EU controls for flights
UK agrees to check-free land border for Gibraltar but EU controls for flights

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

UK agrees to check-free land border for Gibraltar but EU controls for flights

The UK has reached a deal with the EU over Gibraltar's border with Spain that will allow travellers to cross by land without checks. The agreement on a 'fluid border' clears the way to finalise a post-Brexit deal on the territory with the EU. But those flying into Gibraltar from the UK will face one check from Gibraltarian officials and another by the Spanish on behalf of the EU. An agreement for the future relationship between the EU and the UK in relation to Gibraltar is now a reality. It is a historic agreement. — Fabian Picardo (@FabianPicardo) June 11, 2025 This is because the land border will allow those arriving by air access to the European Schengen free travel area unchecked once they are in Gibraltar. The UK and Gibraltar insisted the changes would not affect the British overseas territory's sovereignty. The airport will operate under a model similar to London's St Pancras station, where passengers pass through both UK and French passport checks to board international trains. Goods and customs checks will also eventually be removed in both directions under the agreement. The move could also see airlines start to add flights to Gibraltar from countries other than the UK in a boost to tourism. Officials say a hard border would have been introduced under the EU's incoming exit and entry control system if no deal was reached, causing delays for some 15,000 people who cross the border every day as every individual passport was checked. Talks on rules governing the border have been ongoing since Britain left the European Union in 2020. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the previous Tory government left behind a situation that 'put Gibraltar's economy and way of life under threat'. He said the agreement was a 'breakthrough' after years of uncertainty. He said: 'Alongside the government of Gibraltar, we have reached an agreement which protects British sovereignty, supports Gibraltar's economy and allows businesses to plan for the long-term once again. 'I thank the chief minister and his government for their tireless dedication throughout the negotiations. The UK's commitment to Gibraltar remains as solid as The Rock itself.' Spanish foreign minister Jose Albares said the deal marked 'a new beginning' in the relationship between the UK and Spain. He said that Spain 'will guarantee free movement of people and goods', adding that Gibraltar would now be linked to the Schengen Area with Spanish authorities controlling entry and exit. I have always said nothing about Gibraltar, without Gibraltar. — David Lammy (@DavidLammy) June 11, 2025 President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the deal. In a post on X, she said: 'It safeguards the integrity of Schengen and the single market, while ensuring stability, legal certainty and prosperity for the region.' Gibraltar's chief minister Fabian Picardo said the deal would 'protect future generations of British Gibraltarians and does not in any way affect our British sovereignty'. 'Now is the time to look beyond the arguments of the past and towards a time of renewed co-operation and understanding. Now the deal is done, it's time to finalise the treaty,' he said. On Wednesday evening, Sir Keir Starmer spoke with Mr Picardo and thanked him for 'his years of hard work, commitment, and leadership to reach an agreement'. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also had a phone call with Sir Keir, and congratulated the British PM because 'his Government had succeeded where others had failed'. The Conservatives have said they will carefully review the UK's agreement with the EU on Gibraltar's border to see if it crosses any 'red lines' the party set out during its own negotiations when in government. Shadow foreign secretary Priti Patel said: 'Gibraltar is British, and given Labour's record of surrendering our territory and paying for the privilege, we will be reviewing carefully all the details of any agreement that is reached.' Mr Lammy held talks with Gibraltar's leaders, members of the opposition and the business community before leaving the British overseas territory to head to Brussels on Wednesday morning. Gibraltar was ceded to the UK by Spain in 1713 and the population is heavily in favour of remaining a British overseas territory. The last time it voted on a proposal to share sovereignty with Spain, in 2002, almost 99% of Gibraltarians rejected the move. Gibraltar also hosts an RAF base at its airport and an important naval facility.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store