RES/6/11 Protection of cultural heritage as an important component of the promotion and protection of cultural rights

Human Rights Council

Resolution 6/11. Protection of cultural heritage as an important component of the promotion and protection of cultural rights

The Human Rights Council,

Guided by the Charter of the United Nations, the Universal Declaration of

Human Rights, the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights,

and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights,

Bearing in mind pertinent universal and regional legal instruments for the

promotion and protection of cultural rights and for the protection of cultural heritage,

including the principles enshrined in conventions, recommendations, declarations and

charters for the protection of cultural heritage adopted by the United Nations

Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization,

Reaffirming that all human rights are universal, indivisible, interdependent and

mutually reinforcing and must be treated in a fair and equal manner, on the same

footing and with the same emphasis,

Recalling that States parties to the International Covenant on Economic, Social

and Cultural Rights undertake to take steps, including those necessary for the

conservation, development and diffusion of science and culture, in order to achieve

full realization of the rights, as stipulated in article 15 of the Covenant,

Reaffirming the importance of cultural diversity for the full realization of

human rights and fundamental freedoms proclaimed in the Universal Declaration of

Human Rights and other universally recognized instruments,

Recalling that cultural diversity, flourishing within a framework of democracy,

tolerance, social justice and mutual respect between peoples and cultures, is

indispensable for peace and security at the local, national and international levels,

Mindful that cultural heritage is an important component of the cultural

identity of communities, groups and individuals, and of social cohesion, so that its

intentional destruction may have adverse consequences on human dignity and human

rights,

Affirming that intentional destruction of cultural heritage may violate the

principles of international law,

Reaffirming the importance of the protection of cultural heritage and the

commitment to fight against its intentional destruction in any form so that such

cultural heritage may be transmitted to the succeeding generations,

Recognizing the valuable contributions of all religions to modern civilization

and the contribution that dialogue among civilizations can make to an improved

awareness and understanding of the common values shared by all humankind,

1. Recognizes that the promotion and protection of cultural rights and the

respect for different cultural identities are vital elements to advance freedom and

progress everywhere, as well as to encourage tolerance, respect, dialogue and

cooperation among different cultures, civilizations and peoples;

2. Reiterates that each culture has a dignity and value which must be

respected and preserved, and that respect for the diversity of belief, culture and

language promotes a culture of peace and dialogue among all civilizations;

3. Recognizes that intentional destruction of cultural heritage may

constitute advocacy and incitement to national, racial or religious hatred and thereby

violates fundamental principles of international human rights law, inter alia, the

provisions as stipulated in article 20 of the International Covenant on Civil and

Political Rights;

4. Expresses grave concern about continuing acts of intentional

destruction of cultural heritage that take place in various parts of the world;

5. Underlines that States bear responsibility for intentional destruction or

failure to take appropriate measures to prohibit, prevent, stop and punish any such

destruction of cultural heritage of great importance for humanity, to the extent

provided for by international law;

6. Encourages all States, relevant intergovernmental and non-

governmental organizations and the media to promote a culture of tolerance and

respect for the diversity of cultures, civilizations and religions and for cultural and

religious sites, which represent an important aspect of the collective heritage of

humankind;

7. Emphasizes the importance of continued cooperation at international

and regional levels in order to encourage dialogue among cultures with a view to

ensuring wider and balanced cultural exchanges in the world in favour of intercultural

respect and culture of peace;

8. Requests the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to

encourage all relevant human rights bodies and mechanisms to pay due attention to

the issue of promotion of cultural diversity and protection of cultural heritage as an

important component of the promotion and protection of all human rights, including

the full realization of cultural rights;

9. Encourages the High Commissioner for Human Rights to enhance

consultations with the Council and cooperation with relevant international and

regional organizations and bodies concerned with the issue of protection of cultural

heritage in order to address human rights-related aspects of this issue;

10. Requests the High Commissioner for Human Rights to bring the

present resolution to the attention of all Governments, the competent United Nations

organs, programmes and specialized agencies, as well as regional intergovernmental

organizations; .

11. Decides to remain seized of this issue and to consider further actions in

order to implement the present resolution.

[Adopted without a vote] 21st meeting

28 September 2007

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