Finding Ways to Measure the Cultural Dimension of Human Rights and Development

Abstract

In this paper our intention is to examine the relationship between culture, human rights, in particular cultural rights, and development and to suggest possible indicators to measure and qualify this relationship. Being fully aware that a lot of material has been produced on this theme, our objective is to build on existing results and materials and study the possibility of producing understandable and quantifiable indicators. In this context we will concentrate on the cultural dimension of several specific human rights as included in international human rights instruments accepted by a large majority of States. Overarching the relationship between culture, human rights and development are the principles of equality, access and participation. These human rights are not only moral issues; they are legal obligations that should guide States in all policy-planning, including the drafting of cultural policies. Cultural policies should not be seen as a ‘charity’ or as derived from voluntarism; they are based on rights of people and the legal obligations of States. In this paper we plead for an integrated approach, whereby the legal framework provides the basis for the development of policies, giving them more continuity and coherence.