This volume explores the recent evolution of cultural heritage law which has resulted in the emergence of a new international conscience, rooted in the awareness that cultural heritage represents a holistic notion strongly connected with the identity of peoples.

This theoretically innovative anthology investigates the problematic linkages between conserving cultural heritage, maintaining cultural diversity, defining and establishing cultural citizenship, and enforcing human rights. It is the first publication to address the notions of cultural diversity, cultural heritage and human rights in one volume. Heritage provides the basis of humanity’s rich cultural diversity. While there is a considerable literature dealing separately with cultural diversity, cultural heritage and human rights, this book is distinctive and has contemporary relevance in focusing on the intersection between the three concepts. Cultural Diversity, Heritage and Human Rights establishes a fresh approach that will interest students and practitioners alike and on which future work in the heritage field might proceed.

What is the relationship between culture and human rights? Can the idea of cultural rights, which are predicated on the distinctiveness and exclusivity of a communitya (TM)s beliefs and traditions, be compatible with the concept of human rights, which are universal and a ~inherenta (TM) to all human beings? If we accept such compatibility, what is the actual content of cultural rights? Who are their beneficiaries: individuals, or peoples or groups as collective entities? And what precise obligations do cultural rights pose upon states or other actors in international law, or for the international community as a whole? International instruments on the protection of human rights do not provide self-evident answers to these questions. This book seeks to analyse these dilemmas and to assess the impact that they are having on international law and the development of a coherent category of cultural human rights.

Cultural heritage, cultural rights, cultural diversity: new developments in international law explores the recent evolution of cultural heritage law which has resulted in the emergence of a new international conscience, rooted in the awareness that cultural heritage represents a holistic notion strongly connected with the identity of peoples as well with individual and collective human rights. Leading international scholars examine the new challenges determined by that evolution, reaching beyond only tangible artistic and monumental expression and paying particular attention to the linkages be.

Drawing from a comprehensive review of legal instruments, practice, jurisprudence and literature, and using a multidisciplinary approach, this unique book brings forth the full spectrum of cultural rights, as individual and collective human rights, and offers a compelling vision for public policy.

The intersection between culture and human rights have engaged some of the most heated and controversial debates across international law and theory. To what extent should the law permit cultural defences to general rules? What role does human rights law have in the protection of minority cultures? This volume examines such pivotal questions.

This title explores the international (including regional) law currently governing the protection and safeguarding of cultural heritage in peacetime and related international cultural policy-making. An important aspect of this publication is the emphasis placed on broader policy and other contexts within which, and in response to which, this law has developed.