Terror on arts and culture is not limited to buildings, documents and sites

News,

Today an event titled “Time to end intentional destruction of cultural heritage: a human rights call to action” happened at the UN headquarters in New York. The UN Special Rapporteur in the field of Cultural Rights, Karima Bennoune, noted that Cultural heritage is not limited to tangible objects like buildings or ruins, but applies to intangible works that include works of artistic expression as well. Freemuse was was invited by the UN to briefly address the destruction of the living arts and has published yesterday the  “Report on the effects of terror on arts and culture” with 10 recommendations to the UN and other international bodies:

  • UN member states must pay stronger attention to violations on artistic freedom. Most UPR submissions focussing on freedom of expression are purely discussing media and neglect attacks on artistic freedom.
  • The universal right to artistic freedom of expression reaffirmed at the United Nations Human Rights Council on 18 September 2015 should be supported by all UN member states.
  • UN Special Rapporteurs and Treaty bodies should pay more attention to violations on artistic freedom.
  • A special task force should analyse in-depth the nature, size and effects of terror on artistic freedom and the uses and abuses of terror legislations.
  • International donor communities should establish more support programmes for artists and cultural industries victimized by terror.
  • Support to organisations documenting and monitoring violations on artistic freedom should be established.
  • The UN Human Rights Council should host a hearing on terror and artistic freedom.
  • Inspired by the “UN Action Plan on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity”, UNESCO should develop an action plan in collaboration with artistic civil society groups to secure artists’ safety.
  • UN Member States should, in accordance with their obligations under international conventions, take concrete measures to secure artists and audiences so they can express themselves freely and take part in cultural activities without fear of reprisal.
  • UN Member States should guarantee that current and new anti-terror legislation is not being used to silence peaceful artistic expression.