Information on the mandate

By its resolution 10/23 (E F S C R) of 26 March 2009, the Human Rights Council decided to establish, for a period of three years, a new special procedure entitled “independent expert in the field of cultural rights”, as set out in the relevant United Nations human rights instruments.

In 2012, by resolution 19/6 (E F S A C R) of 22 March, the Human Rights Council decided to extend, for a period of three years, the mandate of the current mandate holder as a Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights.

The Special Rapporteur will continue reporting to the Human Rights Council on a yearly basis. In addition, she will now also report to the General Assembly each year. She is requested to:

(a) Identify best practices in the promotion and protection of cultural rights at the local, national, regional and international levels;

(b) Identify possible obstacles to the promotion and protection of cultural rights, and to submit proposals and/or recommendations to the Council on possible actions in that regard;

(c) Work in cooperation with States in order to foster the adoption of measures at the local, national, regional and international levels aimed at the promotion and protection of cultural rights through concrete proposals enhancing subregional, regional and international cooperation in that regard;

(d) Study the relationship between cultural rights and cultural diversity, in close collaboration with States and other relevant actors, including in particular the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, with the aim of further promoting cultural rights;

(e) Integrate a gender and disabilities perspective into his and her work;

(f) Work in close coordination, while avoiding unnecessary duplication, with intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, other special procedures of the Council, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, as well as with other relevant actors representing the broadest possible range of interests and experiences, within their respective mandates, including by attending and following up on relevant international conferences and events.