A/HRC/RES/17/15
Noting the increasing number of parties to the Convention on the Protection and
Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions, adopted by the General Conference of
the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization on 20 October 2005,
and which entered into force on 18 March 2007,
Recalling the holding of the seminar on the theme “Implementing cultural rights:
nature, issues at stake and challenges” in Geneva on 1 and 2 February 2010,
Convinced that international cooperation in promoting and encouraging respect for
human rights and fundamental freedoms for all should be based on an understanding of the
economic, social and cultural specificities of each country, the full realization and
recognition of the universality of all human rights and the principles of freedom, justice,
equality and non-discrimination,
Recognizing that cultural diversity and the pursuit of cultural development by all
peoples and nations are a source of mutual enrichment for the cultural life of humankind,
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 the State, regardless of its political, economic and cultural system, 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 cultural diversity and the cultural rights of all
enhances cultural pluralism, contributing to a wider exchange of knowledge and
understanding of cultural heritage and cultural 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.
Takes note of the report of the independent expert in the field of cultural
rights, in which she focused on the right of access to and enjoyment of cultural heritage;1
10.
Also takes note of the work conducted by the independent expert, including
the questionnaire on access to cultural heritage, as well as the holding of an experts’
1
2
A/HRC/17/38.