A/HRC/31/59 priorities. But, as a Haitian sculptor asserted: “the dead are dead. We know that. But if you don’t have the memory of the past, the rest of us can’t continue living”.33 84. This introduction is the Special Rapporteur’s first step in addressing the issue and she looks forward to continuing her research in this vital area. In conclusion, she emphasizes that the destruction of cultural heritage is a human rights issue. The approach to stopping intentional destruction of tangible and intangible cultural heritage needs to be holistic, encompassing all regions, contemplating both prevention and punishment, targeting acts by State and non-State actors, in conflict and non-conflict situations. We must respond urgently, but also take the long view. 85. In a poem entitled “The smothered murmurs of history”, poet Saleh Baddiari, himself a refugee from extremist violence, expressed the anguish many have felt after recent acts of cultural demolition produced what he called “ruins upon ruins.” He gave voice to the fear that, if unchecked, there will be more destruction to come: The people of the new millennium are determined to reduce their ruins to the dust of ruins… Palmyra collapses on its own rubble. Petra will follow, along with Nineveh and Nippur. Alexandria and Heliopolis, blindfolded, await their turn to return to dust.34 It is up to us all to make sure that does not come to pass – anywhere. IV. Conclusions and recommendations A. Conclusions 86. Over the past six years, cultural rights have gained significantly in legitimacy and standing. Their realization is now recognized as key to the overall implementation of universal human rights. The previous Special Rapporteur undertook an important and rich first round of exploration of cultural rights. However, much remains to be done. The new Special Rapporteur aims to carry out this work in cooperation with States, relevant human rights and intergovernmental bodies and a diverse range of non-governmental stakeholders. 87. The Special Rapporteur will pay particular attention to the relationship between individuals and collectivities and the terminology used to refer to different typologies of human groups. She will carry forward her predecessor’s commitment to the principle of universality of human rights and to recognizing and reinforcing the organic relationship between universality and cultural diversity. Cultural rights and cultural diversity are not tantamount to cultural relativism. Moreover, cultural diversity exists within each group and society and individuals may simultaneously participate in multiple cultural groupings. The rights of all individuals to take part in cultural life must be understood in light of these complex realities. 88. The Special Rapporteur has identified several issues of urgent concern she intends to pursue. She has been particularly shocked by recent events in which tangible cultural heritage has been intentionally targeted and destroyed in conflict 33 34 Cited in Marc Lacey, “Cultural riches turn to rubble in Haiti quake”, New York Times, 23 January 2010. Salah El Khalfa Beddiari, forthcoming in Les murmures étouffés de l’Histoire (Éditions Beroaf, 2016) (translated by the Special Rapporteur with permission of the poet). 19