A/HRC/15/41 culture.56 This adds to their feelings of isolation and exclusion. Persons living in poverty must be able to engage in all activities that define the cultural life with which they identify without discrimination. This moves beyond traditional culture to include ways of life, language, oral and written literature, music and song, non-verbal communication, religion or belief systems, rites and ceremonies, sport and games, methods of production or technology, natural and man-made environment, food, clothing and shelter, the arts, and customs and traditions, through which individuals, groups of individuals and communities express their humanity and the meaning they give to their existence, and build their world view representing their encounter with the external forces affecting their lives.57 91. 56 57 58 59 A revised version of the draft guiding principles should: • Recall State obligations to realize the right of everyone to take part in cultural life. In particular, recommend the adoption of measures to respect and protect a person’s cultural identity and the cultural diversity of countries, to promote an environment of social inclusion that recognizes the contribution of all members of society, and create opportunities to access cultural life. This should include facilitating access to public spaces where individuals and groups from all communities can gather to practice rites and ceremonies, and facilitating access to cultural goods and services.58 • Recall the importance of respecting and protecting the cultural heritage of these groups living in poverty. This includes protection from illegal or unjust exploitation of the lands, territories and resources of indigenous peoples by State entities, or private or transnational enterprises and corporations.59 Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, general comment No. 21 (2009) on the right of everyone to take part in cultural life, para. 38. Ibid., para. 13. Ibid. Ibid., para 50 (c) and Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. 25