A/HRC/RES/37/17
accountability, focusing on acts by State and non-State actors in both conflict and nonconflict situations, and terrorist acts,
Recognizing that the violation or abuse of the right of everyone to take part in
cultural life, including the ability to access and enjoy cultural heritage, may threaten
stability, social cohesion and cultural identity, and constitutes an aggravating factor in
conflict and a major obstacle to dialogue, peace and reconciliation,
Strongly condemning all acts of unlawful destruction of cultural heritage, which are
often committed during or in the aftermath of armed conflicts around the world, or as a
result of terrorist attacks,
Noting with deep concern the organized looting, smuggling and theft of and illicit
trafficking in cultural property that could undermine the full enjoyment of cultural rights,
and are contrary to international law and may, in some instances, generate funds for the
financing of terrorism,
Acknowledging the importance of early restoration of the full enjoyment of cultural
rights to individuals affected by conflict, and in particular to those who are displaced,
Emphasizing the important role that the Human Rights Council can play, in concert
with all other relevant international actors, in global efforts to protect, restore and preserve
cultural heritage, with a view to promoting universal respect for cultural rights by all,
Recognizing the important contribution that United Nations peacekeeping missions
can make in the protection of cultural heritage and the safeguarding of the enjoyment of
cultural rights, both during and in the aftermath of armed conflicts,
Acknowledging the important role of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and
Cultural Organization, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, the International
Criminal Police Organization and the World Customs Organization in international efforts
to combat and prevent damage or destruction, organized looting, smuggling and theft of and
illicit trafficking in cultural property, and to restore damaged property,
Welcoming all initiatives, whether by States, institutions or private persons, for the
voluntary return of cultural property, and in particular those concerning cultural property
that has been illicitly appropriated,
Recognizing that technology, and in particular the Internet, may enhance cultural
creation and dissemination by enabling new forms of curating and sharing, and engagement
with, cultural heritage,
Taking note with appreciation of the report of the United Nations High
Commissioner for Human Rights on the intersessional seminar on cultural rights and the
protection of cultural heritage,1 and noting the areas identified therein as needing more
attention, such as the protection of the cultural heritage of minority communities from
intentional destruction aimed at erasing evidence of their presence and the engagement of
indigenous peoples and local communities in international debates on cultural heritage
protection,
Reaffirming the importance of the Declaration on the Right and Responsibility of
Individuals, Groups and Organs of Society to Promote and Protect Universally Recognized
Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms and its implementation, and in the context of its
twentieth anniversary, highlighting in particular the important contribution made by cultural
rights defenders involved in the protection of the cultural heritage of all humankind,
1.
Calls upon all States to respect, promote and protect the right of everyone to
take part in cultural life, including the ability to access and enjoy cultural heritage;
2.
Urges all parties to armed conflicts to refrain from any unlawful military use
or targeting of cultural property, in full conformity with their obligations under
international humanitarian law;
1
2
A/HRC/37/29.