The ICOM International Committee on Ethical Dilemmas (IC Ethics) is an open forum on practical challenges regarding ethical dilemmas in the museum profession. IC Ethics is a space where museum professionals can reflect, share and discuss ethical dilemmas, helping them to make more informed choices.
IC Ethics:
As dedicated museum professionals and ICOM members, we see the need for a broad and open debate about ethical dilemmas. With the new importance of museums as societal actors, ethical dilemmas are among the most relevant working fields. We believe that IC Ethics will be an essential and important addition to the International Committees of ICOM.
As an International Committee, it will be an open forum on ethical dilemmas for all museum professionals, a forum for reflection, discussion and sharing, thereby helping museum professionals to make more informed choices.
IC Ethics has been officially founded in Kyoto/Japan on Tuesday, 4th of September 2019, after being approved by the ICOMs Executive Board in July 2019. The initiators have received 171 Letters of Support from 38 different countries and four continents. In addition, five National Committees have supported the initiative with written statements.
Find out more about:
>>> Our mission (English, Français, Español) and rules (English)
LATEST NEWS:
Upcoming Meeting Room: A Difficult Heritage – Ethical issues on Colonialism, Racism and the Marginalized in Museums
Join us here: https://ucl.zoom.us/j/97583752753
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The Ethnographic Museum Zagreb presents the exhibition Travellers, showcasing the Collection of Non-European Cultures and examining the journeys of people and objects from colonial times to the present. The exhibition opens discussions on colonialism, the origins of ethnology and anthropology, and the role of museums in shaping perspectives on the “exotic Other.”
Speakers Željka Jelavić, Ph.D. and Marija Živković will reflect on ethical dilemmas and possibilities for decolonizing museum collections, highlighting the importance of inclusive and responsible practices in contemporary museology.
📅 22 September 2025, 17:00 CET
📍 Online via Zoom → coming soon
ICEthics Programme – 27th ICOM General Conference 2025, Dubai
The programme is now complete and available online.
ICEthics invites you to explore the finalized schedule for IC Ethics Day and Sessions A,B and C at ICOM Dubai 2025, covering key themes such as women and youth empowerment, ethical museum practices, decolonization, and dress in nomadic cultures.
Stand for Election to the IC Ethics Board (2025–2028)
Are you passionate about ethics in museums?
Join the leadership of the ICOM International Committee on Ethical Dilemmas (IC Ethics) and help shape ethical conversations and practices across the global museum community.
IC Ethics is one of ICOM’s 35 International Committees, serving as a space for professionals to reflect on real-world ethical dilemmas in museum work. The committee does not pass judgment but fosters open dialogue, the sharing of experiences, and the promotion of good ethical practices.
Click here for more info: Stand for election to the IC Ethics Board (2025–28)
In Memoriam: Per Rekdal
ICEthics is sorry to hear the loss of one our founding members of our international committee: Per Rekdal. He was a very devoted museum professional and played a major role in ICOM. Our sincere condolences go to all his family, friends and colleagues.
📞 Call for Speakers: Share Your Ethical Insights in Museums
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Are you a museum professional interested in or dealing with an ethical dilemma? Would you like to discuss this with your colleagues? We invite you to be a speaker or speakers of our virtual open platform dicussions!
You can find all information about the IC Ethics Meeting Room and what to consider as a speaker moderating in these documents:
(French and Spanish versions are coming soon!)
More information about the IC Ethics Meeting Room series, following and previous events as well as the recordings of the introductions >> on this page.
About IC Ethics
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As dedicated museum professionals and ICOM members, we see the need for a broad and open debate about ethical dilemmas. With the new importance of museums as societal actors, ethical dilemmas are among the most relevant working fields. We believe that IC Ethics will be an essential and important addition to the International Committees of ICOM.
As an International Committee, it will be an open forum on ethical dilemmas for all museum professionals, a forum for reflection, discussion and sharing, thereby helping museum professionals to make more informed choices.
IC Ethics has been officially founded in Kyoto/Japan on Tuesday, 4th of September 2019, after being approved by the ICOMs Executive Board in July 2019. The initiators have received 171 Letters of Support from 38 different countries and four continents. In addition, five National Committees have supported the initiative with written statements.
Find out more about:
>>> Our mission (English, Français, Español) and rules (English)