A/HRC/RES/37/12
Determined to treat human rights globally in a fair and equal manner, on the same
footing and with the same emphasis,
1.
Reaffirms that cultural rights are an integral part of human rights, which are
universal, indivisible, interrelated and interdependent;
2.
Recognizes the right of everyone to take part in cultural life and to enjoy the
benefits of scientific progress and its applications;
3.
Reaffirms that, while the significance of national and regional particularities
and various historical, cultural and religious backgrounds must be borne in mind, it is the
duty of States, regardless of their political, economic and cultural systems, to promote and
protect all human rights and fundamental freedoms;
4.
Recalls that, as expressed in the Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity,
no one may invoke cultural diversity to infringe upon human rights guaranteed by
international law, nor to limit their scope;
5.
Reaffirms that States have the responsibility to promote and protect cultural
rights, and that these rights should be guaranteed for all, without discrimination;
6.
Recognizes that respect for the cultural diversity and cultural rights of all
enhances inclusion and cultural pluralism, contributing to a wider exchange of knowledge
and understanding of cultural heritage and background, advancing the application and
enjoyment of human rights throughout the world and fostering stable, friendly relations
among peoples and nations worldwide;
7.
Also recognizes that respect for cultural rights is essential for development,
peace and the eradication of poverty, building social cohesion and the promotion of mutual
respect, tolerance and understanding between individuals and groups, in all their diversity;
8.
Emphasizes that the universal promotion and protection of human rights,
including cultural rights, and respect for cultural diversity should reinforce each other;
9.
Welcomes the work and contributions of the Special Rapporteur in the field
of cultural rights, and takes note with appreciation of her latest report submitted to the
Human Rights Council;1
10.
Decides to renew, for a period of three years, the mandate of the Special
Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, to enable the mandate holder to continue to work
in accordance with the mandate established by the Human Rights Council in its resolution
19/6;
11.
Calls upon all Governments to cooperate with and to assist the Special
Rapporteur in the discharge of the mandate, to provide the mandate holder with all the
necessary information requested by her, and to give serious consideration to responding
favourably to the requests of the mandate holder to visit their countries in order to enable
her to fulfil her duties effectively;
12.
Requests the United High Commissioner for Human Rights to provide all the
human and financial resources necessary for the effective fulfilment of the mandate by the
Special Rapporteur;
13.
Requests the Special Rapporteur to report regularly to the Human Rights
Council and the General Assembly in accordance with their respective programmes of
work;
14.
Also requests the Special Rapporteur, within the scope of her mandate, to
participate in relevant international forums related to the implementation of the 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development, and to contribute to its implementation, including by
providing advice to States, international organizations, civil society and other stakeholders
on the effective respect, protection and fulfilment of cultural rights in the implementation of
the 2030 Agenda;
1
2
A/HRC/37/55.