A/HRC/RES/14/9 Noting with appreciation 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, which entered into force on 18 March 2007, Welcoming 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 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 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 for 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 with appreciation +of the first report of the independent expert in the field of cultural rights (A/HRC/14/36), including the identification of areas of concern and priority; 10. Reiterates its call upon all Governments to cooperate with and assist the independent expert in the discharge of her mandate, to provide her with all the necessary information requested by her and to give serious consideration to responding favourably to her requests to visit their countries in order to enable her to fulfil her duties effectively; 2