A/HRC/23/34/Add.1 political discourse on traditional values. This, according to interlocutors, has weakened the position of women in Russian society. 106. Cultural practices violating women‟s rights are said to be resurgent in Chechnya and Ingushetia where, reportedly, honour killings have taken place; women have been forced to wear a headscarf, or experience extreme pressure to do so; and may be humiliated and physically attacked if not deemed to be dressed appropriately. It was also reported that the imposition of these new codes and customs as culturally necessary in North Caucasus has resulted in women being afraid to rely on the Federation‟s law to defend their rights, as they fear retaliation.36 107. The Special Rapporteur recalls that the right of women to have access to, participate in and contribute to all aspects of cultural life encompasses their right to engage actively in identifying and interpreting cultural heritage and to decide which cultural traditions, values or practices are to be kept, reoriented, modified or discarded.37 V. Conclusions and recommendations 108. The Special Rapporteur welcomes the measures taken by the Russian authorities at the federal and regional levels to promote the realization of cultural rights of all persons, including in the most remote areas. She encourages them to continue their efforts and recommends: (a) That they establish and strengthen appropriate mechanisms to ensure people’s participation in decision-making concerning the identification, interpretation and stewardship of cultural heritage. Such mechanisms are needed regardless of whether the heritage in question is listed as World Heritage by UNESCO or not. Relevant communities should be consulted before a site or building is declared protected cultural heritage, internationally or nationally, in particular if such declarations imply a shift in responsibilities for managing the sites or buildings. (b) That they adopt appropriate information and consultation modalities to ensure that indigenous peoples and minorities are informed and consulted prior to the adoption of new legislation affecting the enjoyment of their cultural rights. The establishment of a ministry devoted to indigenous and minority issues at the federal level should be envisaged. (c) That the federal authorities, together with the authorities of the Altai Republic, discuss with the indigenous peoples of Altai Republic all points raised in the report in order to clarify the issues at stake, and take appropriate measures to ensure the enjoyment of cultural rights of local indigenous peoples. (d) That rules and procedures regarding the obligations of private companies conducting activities that may have an impact on the cultural rights of the local population, including the consultation processes, be clarified, strengthened and made easily accessible. (e) That the federal authorities, together with the authorities of the North Caucasus regions, engage with civil society organizations and other stakeholders to address the rights of women in a sustainable manner, ensuring that all women enjoy cultural rights without fear and hindrances. 36 37 20 See also CEDAW/C/USR/CO/7, paras. 20, 24-25 and 48-49. A/67/287.