A/HRC/RES/40/6
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 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 the cultural diversity and cultural rights of all
enhances cultural pluralism, contributing to a wider exchange of knowledge and
understanding of cultural heritage and 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, 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.
Welcomes the work and contributions of the Special Rapporteur in the field
of cultural rights, and takes note with appreciation of her latest report submitted to the
Human Rights Council,1 which commemorates the 10 years of the mandate;
10.
Calls upon all Governments to cooperate with and to assist the Special
Rapporteur in the discharge of the mandate, to provide the mandate holder 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;
11.
Requests the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to
provide all the human and financial resources necessary for the effective fulfilment of the
mandate by the Special Rapporteur;
12.
Requests the Special Rapporteur to pay due attention to the enjoyment of
cultural rights by persons with disabilities;
13. Also requests the Special Rapporteur to continue to work, within her mandate,
with relevant stakeholders towards the comprehensive promotion and protection of cultural
rights, and to report regularly to the Human Rights Council and the General Assembly, in
accordance with their respective programmes of work;
1
2
A/HRC/40/53.
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