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UN Urges Austria to Promote Cultural Rights

The United Nations independent expert on cultural rights today encouraged the Austrian government to promote cultural rights to empower individuals and communities where culture of minorities is equally valued.

UN Independent Expert on Cultural Rights Farida Shaheed urged Austria to also consider cultural diversity an invaluable resource.

Ms. Shaheed also called for the government to take concrete measures to promote cultural diversity by recognizing the ways of life of minority groups.

"The Government should mainstream cultural diversity and the cultural heritage of Austria's diverse populations by incorporating minority cultures and histories in public schooling curricula, media and cultural activities. They should also promote intercultural understanding and minority language proficiency in all official institutions and among civil servants."-Ms. Shaheed

Ms. Shaheed welcomed a number of "excellent initiatives" to promote cultural diversity and cultural rights, especially the codification of a Romani language, but said that the approach was fragmented.

She recommended that a unified framework and an institution be put in place to promote cultural diversity, oversee cultural heritage matters and promote the right to participate in cultural life. She also urged the Government to consider extending support to other linguistic and ethnic minorities in Austria.

Source: United Nations