CAA is an international organization whose members represent a wide range of cultural, religious, ethical, and professional perspectives regarding the treatment and display of human remains. While the study and presentation of human remains is an important component of archaeological research, human remains should be treated with dignity and respect, and conference attendees should be able to make informed choices about their exposure to such materials.
When presenting human remains, presenters should:
- Include human remains only when they are directly relevant to the scholarly content being presented.
- Provide appropriate archaeological, cultural, and geographic context, and clearly explain the scholarly purpose of their inclusion.
- Where images of human remains are included, a brief statement should be provided in the submitted abstract. Presentations, posters, videos, and other conference materials containing images of human remains should also include a clear content notice.
- Consider whether less graphic imagery can adequately communicate the same scholarly information, particularly in materials that may remain on display for extended periods or be encountered unexpectedly by attendees.
- Where posters contain images of human remains, presenters should cover those images when the poster is unattended, where possible.
Human remains should not be displayed solely for decorative, promotional, aesthetic, or shock-value purposes.
These guidelines are informed by professional standards developed by museum, heritage, and archaeological organizations regarding the ethical treatment and display of human remains, including the EAA Principle 2b on the Ethical treatment of archaeological human remains and the AIA Guidelines on the Use of Images of Human Remains.
Version 1.0, July 2026
CAA International recognises that Indigenous Peoples hold rights, responsibilities, and enduring relationships with their knowledge systems, cultural heritage, and data. This policy draws upon the CARE Principles for Indigenous Data Governance (Collective Benefit, Authority to Control, Responsibility, and Ethics). Members should conduct research involving Indigenous knowledge, data, or cultural heritage in ways that respect Indigenous rights, governance, and self-determination, recognising that these principles may be expressed differently across regions, communities, and legal contexts.
Researchers should ensure that Indigenous knowledge, data, images, oral histories, and cultural information are obtained, used, and shared through ethically appropriate processes. Where community governance mechanisms, permissions, or protocols exist, researchers should make reasonable efforts to work within them and respect any restrictions on access, use, or dissemination.
Researchers should be transparent about the authority under which Indigenous knowledge or data is used. Where community governance, permissions, or direct participation have not been possible, authors should be prepared to explain the ethical basis for the research, including the provenance of the data, the reasons community involvement was not feasible, and any steps taken to minimise harm and respect Indigenous rights and interests.
Researchers should not knowingly present, publish, or otherwise use Indigenous knowledge, data, or cultural heritage that has been obtained or shared without appropriate authority or in a manner that is inconsistent with agreements made with Indigenous communities or rights holders. Indigenous knowledge and contributions should be appropriately acknowledged and cited in accordance with applicable community protocols, publication standards, and ethical practice, recognising Indigenous community members and scholars as authorities on their own knowledge systems.
Where concerns arise regarding the ethical use, provenance, or authority under which Indigenous knowledge, data, or cultural heritage is presented through CAA activities, these concerns may be reviewed by the CAA Ethics Committee. The Committee may request clarification from the relevant parties and, where appropriate, refer the matter to the CAA Executive Steering Committee for further consideration in accordance with Section 3(v) of the CAA Constitution.
These provisions are intended to promote responsible and respectful engagement with Indigenous knowledge, cultural heritage and data while recognising the diversity of Indigenous governance systems and research contexts worldwide.
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CAA International is committed to supporting scholars from countries and regions affected by political instability and armed conflict. The organisation does not seek to penalise individuals for the actions of their governments. Participation in CAA activities is not restricted on the basis of nationality or citizenship, unless local law of the host of the international conference introduces additional restrictions.
However, CAA recognises that archaeological data, cultural heritage materials, and research infrastructure may be affected by armed conflict, military occupation, or other violations of international law. To uphold the ethical stewardship principles outlined in this policy, 1954 Hague Convention and 2017 Nicosia Convention, research presented at CAA events should be based on materials and data obtained through lawful and ethically responsible means.
Where concerns arise regarding the provenance of research materials, the circumstances under which data were obtained, or institutional relationships that may affect the ethical integrity of submitted work, these concerns may be reviewed by the CAA Ethics Committee.
Such concerns may include, but are not limited to:
- the use of archaeological materials or datasets obtained through illegal excavation, trafficking, or unauthorized removal;
- research based on materials or data originating from territories affected by armed conflict or military occupation where lawful access or custodianship is unclear;
- institutional relationships or funding arrangements that raise questions regarding the ethical integrity of the research presented.
In cases where concerns are raised, the Ethics Committee may request clarification from the authors or organisers. If necessary, the Committee may refer the matter to the CAA Executive Steering Committee for further consideration in accordance with Section 3(v) of the CAA Constitution.
These provisions are intended to provide a mechanism for addressing ethical concerns while ensuring that scholars are treated fairly and without discrimination.
Version 1.0, July 2026