“Human rights and cultural diversity go hand in hand”, say UN experts
OHCHR release, 20 May 2010
GENEVA, SWITZERLAND: Cultural diversity can only thrive in an environment that safeguards fundamental freedoms and human rights, said a group of UN independent experts on the World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development. “Cultural diversity,” the group said in a joint statement, “can be protected and promoted only if human rights and fundamental freedoms, such as the freedom of expression, information and communication, the freedom from discrimination of any kind, as well as the ability of individuals to choose cultural expressions, and their right to participate or not to participate in the cultural life of given communities are guaranteed.” At the same time, the experts noted that an environment conducive to cultural diversity will contribute in a significant manner to the full respect of human rights. “However, no one may invoke cultural diversity as an excuse to infringe on human rights or limit their scope,” they said, stressing that cultural diversity should not be used “to support segregation and harmful traditional practices which, in the name of culture, seek to sanctify differences that run counter to the universality, indivisibility and interdependence of human rights.” Read the release … View UNESCO’s webpage on celebrations …
