The Human Right to Take Part in Cultural Life

The human right to take part in cultural life is rooted in dignity of the person. Cultural rights form an integral part of human rights and, like all other rights, are universal, indivisible and interdependent, that is why respecting them is essential for the preservation of human dignity and the positive social interaction between individuals and communities in a diverse and multicultural world. The concept of unity of human rights implies equality of personal, political, economic, social and cultural rights. It is a universal right to participation, contributing and access to culture. The human right to take part in cultural life must be considered in two dimensions: individual and collective. This emphasizes both the autonomy of the individual and the importance of the community. An analysis of this law allows us to point out its most fundamental elements. Both the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (Article 27) and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (Article 15) state that the human right to take part in cultural life is vested in all members of the human community. In view of this fact, States are obliged to promote culture among all social groups. States are also obliged to recognize the diversity of identities of individuals and communities residing on their territory. The international community attaches great importance to cooperation in the field of culture.