Summary

In her 2017 thematic report to the Human Rights Council, the Special Rapporteur addressed the rise of fundamentalism and extremism, in diverse forms, and their grave impact on the enjoyment of cultural rights.

The report maps how such ideologies, in all their form, gravely undermine the enjoyment of cultural rights, have in common a mindset based on intolerance of differences and pluralism and attempt to stamp out cultural diversity and dissent.

Key conclusions and recommendations

The Special Rapporteur stresses the centrality of cultural rights in combating fundamentalism and extremism, stating that arts, education, science and culture are critical to creating alternatives, making space for peaceful contestation, promoting inclusion and protecting youth from radicalization.

The expert calls on the international community to give more consideration to human rights defenders, including women human rights defenders, in international gatherings, to discuss strategy on how to battle these ideologies.

Learn more about the impact of fundamentalism and extremism on cultural rights in the page dedicated to this issue.