ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the reasons why culture was originally integrated within the framework of human rights law and argues for an enhanced consideration of culture as a foundation for peace and sustainable development. It outlines the legal references to culture in human rights law and in international humanitarian law. The chapter explains why the protection of culture is fundamental, particularly during armed conflict. It describes the role of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in protecting the human right to culture, before giving an overview of normative developments in the field at the international level. The chapter explores possible future perspectives, with a view to expanding the scope of the application of existing normative frameworks as well as leveraging culture as a tool for peace-building and reconciliation. UNESCO has worked for many decades to safeguard heritage through its normative instruments and programmes, notably the World Heritage Convention.
