A/HRC/20/26/Add.2 fortress was, however, completely demolished, and an open square has been built in its place. Unfortunately, no public consultations were conducted prior to the decision to demolish these historic buildings. 80. The Independent Expert welcomes the numerous cultural initiatives and festivals promoted by local authorities, as well as the funding offered to cultural associations as part of the National Initiative for Human Development. She was, however, informed that, for the organization of numerous festivals, a disproportionate amount of funds was spent on inviting international musicians, particularly from Mauritania. At the same time, local musicians and music groups were reportedly screened by a committee which can ask them to change, for instance, the lyrics of traditional songs and other proposed performances should they find them inappropriate. The Independent Expert was also informed that some cultural practitioners were not allowed to participate. Such practices, which limit the free expression of cultural diversity that should be otherwise promoted and fulfilled, seem contrary to the right to freedom of expression and artistic freedom. 81. The Independent Expert recommends that all necessary measures be taken to ensure the enjoyment of the right to participate in cultural life of local communities. In particular, local artists should be able to participate freely in art festivals without any interference relating to the content of their performance, in accordance with the right to freedom of expression. Cultural diversity and traditional ways of life should be promoted and integrated into the education system, and the Saharawi population should be able to learn about their history and culture in schools. Families should be able to choose the names of their children, and family reunions should be promoted and allowed to take place on a regular basis. International cooperation and assistance to clear land mines in the desert should be encouraged. VI. Conclusions and recommendations 82. The Independent Expert emphasizes the remarkable efforts made by Morocco in recent years to respect and promote human rights. The amendments to the Constitution have strengthened the protection of human rights, including those of the most vulnerable populations, put greater importance on cultural rights and cultural diversity and conferred an official status to the Amazigh language. 83. Some existing laws, policies and practices are still not in keeping with the State’s international and constitutional commitment to recognize and respect cultural rights and cultural diversity. New constitutional provisions, especially those concerning cultural rights and diversity, should be effectively enforced through the adoption of laws, including all relevant by-laws, as stipulated in the Constitution. Such new laws and measures require the adoption of relevant policies and strategies and should be accompanied by appropriate training and orientation of duty-bearers who implement them. While understanding that the amended Constitution has only been recently adopted, the Independent Expert urges the Government to act in a timely manner on this issue by continuing and further strengthening the consultative process adopted for the constitutional amendments. 84. Ensuring the cultural rights of persons belonging to specific cultural communities (Amazigh, Jewish and other groups) requires providing them with the possibility of bringing their own individual and collective cultural viewpoints to the shaping of cultural and social developments in the country as a whole, while preserving in parallel the elements of their culture that they wish to maintain. It also implies promoting and protecting their right to maintain and develop their way of life, 19