AFTERWORDS What is the use of knowing my rights, if they are violated? What is the use of this manual if your cultural rights, your exhibition, concert or film are banned? Hopefully, you will be able to reach out to networks, which can either provide assistance or ensure that proper documentation takes place. Every country has to go through the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) – an “examination” of human rights at the Human Rights Council and those countries which have ratified the UNESCO 2005 Convention must report every four years – with the help of civil society – on progress and challenges. Your situation and the situation in your country are relevant to these reports, which are read and commented on internationally. You can ensure that violations are reported and thus assist in creating greater awareness of the situation for your work and the conditions of cultural rights in your country. But, first of all – being aware of your rights – provides you with an “arguments toolbox” when dealing with authorities providing permissions or attempting to restrict your cultural rights. Hopefully, this manual may also contribute to reviewing your work from a perspective of cultural rights. At best you will realize that what you do as a creative person in many ways reflects various cultural rights. Most cultural organizations, artists and institutions have to spend a lot of time and energy on writing applications and reports. Donors in general like to add a number of “buzzwords” to their application schemes. At the very least you may pick up a few “buzzwords” from this manual. And do not forget. A manual is written at a certain time. Things change. In cultural policies trends come and go, so maintain your knowledge and insist on your rights. 49