A/HRC/52/35 cultural and religious diversity, social justice and the special needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups, democratic participation and the rule of law”.25 30. Often, other persons speak in the name of migrants, be it experts, State officials or even civil society organizations. It is imperative that migrants share their own experiences and claims. France has specifically been asked by civil society to include people on the move in the State action plan in order to combat prejudice against and stereotyping of them.26 The need for the direct participation of migrants must be guaranteed in the cultural sector, as well as in all other sectors. The infusion of their values, philosophies and knowledge benefits the wider society and its economic, political and social life.27 That interaction, which includes criticism and even rejection, leads to development and innovation and benefits society as a whole. 31. Recent State initiatives including the active participation of migrants have led to gradual changes within society. In the Dominican Republic, it is reported that since 1992 there has been a new turn towards a decolonialization discourse spearheaded by civil society and feminist organizations, intending to challenge the almost exclusive focus of the country on its Hispanic heritage. That led to the recognition in 2005 of the so-called guloyas, traditional carnival characters, as a UNESCO-recognized living patrimony,28 thereby also acknowledging the heritage of the Afro-descendants who were migrants from the anglophone Caribbean in the country’s narrative. VI. Artistic freedom of migrants A. Enjoying and participating in artistic expression 32. Art constitutes an important vehicle for each person, individually and in community with others, as well as groups of people, to develop and express their humanity, world views and meanings assigned to their existence and development. The right to freedom of artistic expression and creativity includes the right of all persons to freely experience and contribute to artistic expressions and creations, through individual or joint practice, to have access to and enjoy the arts, and to disseminate their expressions and creations. 33. For migrants, creating and developing artistic expressions using different media provides spaces to express their identity and what is important to them, as well as avenues to work through the loss, challenges, grievances and questioning associated with migration and their new life situation in an aesthetic or symbolic manner. That is fundamental at the individual level, to find one’s own voice, but is also a powerful tool for building inclusion. 34. Artistic disciplines, such as painting and drawing, music and dance, theatre and circus, photography, architecture and sculpture, performances and public art interventions, all provide spaces where communication, mutual recognition and understanding can occur beyond the mastery of a common language. Having access to and participating in such artistic expressions may be critical for migrants, in particular during their first period in a new country. Opportunities to enjoy the arts with others from the host society in schools, at the neighbourhood or local community levels and through institutions contribute to building real ties and relationships. Engaging together in artistic projects provides opportunities to recognize shared humanity, overcome the fears that may be linked to stereotypes and appreciate the differences. 35. In Quebec Province, Canada, the Mozaïk parade brings together more than 1,000 people every year to prepare an artistic parade, which takes over the streets of the city of Vaudreuil-Dorion for a large citizen gathering. The aim is to display their varied colours and interpretation of a common theme, expressed through paintings created by various groups. 25 26 27 28 8 A/CONF.166/9, para. 66. CERD/C/FRA/CO/22-23, para. 10. See submission by YoSoyElOtro Asociación Cultural. See submission by OBMICA. See also https://hoy.com.do/los-guloyas-declarados-patrimoniohumanidad/. GE.23-01011