Covenant, provided that they are based on reasonable and objective criteria. 7. With regard to the exercise of the cultural rights protected under article 27, the Committee observes that culture manifests itself in many forms, including a particular way of life associated with the use of land resources, specially in the case of indigenous peoples. That right may include such traditional activities as fishing or hunting and the right to live in reserves protected by law 5/. The enjoyment of those rights may require positive legal measures of protection and measures to ensure the effective participation of members of minority communities in decisions which affect them. 8. The Committee observes that none of the rights protected under article 27 of the Covenant may be legitimately exercised in a manner or to an extent inconsistent with the other provisions of the Covenant. 9. The Committee concludes that article 27 relates to rights whose protection imposes specific obligations on States parties. The protection of these rights is directed to ensure the survival and continued development of the cultural, religious and social identity of the minorities concerned, thus enriching the fabric of society as a whole. Accordingly, the Committee observes that these rights must be protected as such and should not be confused with other personal rights conferred on one and all under the Covenant. States parties, therefore, have an obligation to ensure that the exercise of these rights is fully protected and they should indicate in their reports the measures they have adopted to this end. Notes 1/ See Official Records of the General Assembly, Thirty-ninth Session, Supplement No.40 (A/39/40), annex VI, General Comment No. 12(21) (article 1), also issued in document CCPR/C/21/Rev.1; ibid. Forty-fifth Session, Supplement No.40, (A/45/40), vol.II, Annex IX, Sect.A, communication No.167/1984 (Bernard Ominayak, Chief of the Lubicon Lake Band, v. Canada), views adopted on 26 March 1990. 2/ See ibid., Forty-third Session, Supplement No.40 (A/43/40), annex VII, sect.G, communication No. 197/1985 (Kitok v. Sweden), views adopted on 27 July 1988. 4