In this first report to the Human Rights Council, the independent expert in the field of cultural rights develops preliminary views on the conceptual and legal framework of her mandate. 

She expresses her initial thoughts on the interaction among the principle of universality of human rights, the recognition and implementation of cultural rights and the need to respect cultural diversity. 

The independent expert commits to coordinating with other United Nations mechanisms that relate to cultural rights. She proposes to address the following topics: 

(a) cultural rights, globalization of exchanges and of information, and development processes; and 

(b) participation, access and contribution to cultural life, without any discrimination.