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CULTURAL DIVERSITY, HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRATIC GOVERNANCE . 27
Chapter 8: Cultural diversity,
human rights and democratic
governance
‘No one may invoke cultural diversity to infringe upon
human rights guaranteed by international law, nor to
limit their scope.’ This core provision of the 2001 Universal
Declaration on Cultural Diversity highlights the opposition
that is sometimes confusedly invoked between cultural
diversity and universally proclaimed human rights. Far
from opening the way to forms of relativism, cultural
diversity and its corollary intercultural dialogue are the
pathways to a peace based on ‘unity in diversity’. A full
understanding of cultural diversity contributes to the
effective exercise of human rights, enhanced social
cohesion and democratic governance.
Cultural diversity and universally recognized human rights
Those who view cultural diversity as synonymous with
relativism and thus as a rejection of universal principles,
and, conversely, those who view the application of
universal human rights as impositions on traditional
values or beliefs, incorrectly assume that cultural
diversity and universal human rights are mutually
exclusive. For human rights emanate from the very fabric
of cultures, as recognized by the nations that have
become signatories to human-rights instruments. From
this perspective, cultural diversity and intercultural
dialogue are key levers for strengthening the consensus
on the universal foundation of human rights.
Indeed, as stated in the 1993 Vienna Declaration, the
challenge is, while bearing in mind ‘the significance of
national and regional particularities and various
historical, cultural and religious backgrounds’, to
promote and protect all human rights and fundamental
freedoms ‘regardless of [the States’] political, economic
and cultural systems’. The emphasis on the cultural
dimensions of all human rights should be seen not as
undermining universality through diversity but as
encouraging the appropriation of these rights by all,
whether individuals or groups. A set of standards
protecting human rights is best incorporated in a
cultural context through dialogue and communication.
Cultural diversity is thus vital for reaching people in their
everyday lives, failing which the universality of human
rights is liable to remain abstract. As the Fribourg Group
has so clearly underlined in the Fribourg Declaration, it is
necessary to take into account ‘the cultural dimensions
of all human rights in order to enhance universality
through diversity and to encourage the appropriation
of these rights by all persons, alone or in community
with others’.
Cultural diversity
and intercultural
dialogue are key
levers for
strengthening the
consensus on the
universal
foundation of
human rights
K Young children playing,
Alice Springs, Australia
Chapter 8: Cultural diversity,
human rights and
democratic governance