A/HRC/43/50/Add.1
87.
It is the responsibility of the State to ensure respect for a diversity of points of view
and that real opportunities exist for those who embrace different views to freely exercise
their human rights and fully take part in cultural life.
IV. Conclusions and recommendations
A.
Conclusions
88.
The world can and should learn much from the rich and diverse culture of
Poland and from its sophisticated cultural institutions and vibrant cultural life, with
which the Special Rapporteur was deeply impressed. The cultural strength of Poland
rests on the achievements of its diverse artists and cultural workers, the contributions
of its cities and local areas, the participation of many different sectors of society and
the creation of spaces for debates about social and historical questions.
89.
However, all these achievements are currently being challenged by attempts at
official cultural engineering aimed at narrowing the scope of cultural expression to
reflect a monolithic vision of contemporary society and a simplistic and exclusionary
version of Polish history. These trends undermine the enjoyment of human rights,
including cultural rights, for all.
90.
The Polish authorities must recommit to a vibrant and plural cultural life and
take greater steps to ensure that all sectors of Polish society are included, including
women, minorities, persons with disabilities and lesbian, gay, bisexual and
transgender persons, without discrimination. Hate speech, intolerance and
discriminatory attitudes must be combated with urgency to protect human rights and
prevent future acts of violence. Safeguarding the separation of religion and State is
vital for upholding cultural rights in Poland today.
91.
The Special Rapporteur pays tribute to all those who engage vigorously in the
defence of cultural rights today in Poland and hopes that they will receive full national
and international support in their important work.
B.
Recommendations
92.
To improve the legislative and judicial framework for the protection of human
rights, including cultural rights, the Government should:
(a)
Adhere without delay to the Optional Protocol to the International
Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights;
(b)
Ratify and implement the International Convention on the Protection of
the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families;
(c)
Respect the independence of the Office of the Commissioner for Human
Rights, recognize the importance of this mechanism for the promotion of cultural
rights for all and provide it with adequate resources to effectively fulfil its mandate, in
compliance with the Paris Principles;
(d)
Institutionalize the process for implementing the recommendations of
United Nations experts and mechanisms.
93.
To fight against discrimination and develop a more inclusive society, the
Government should:
(a)
Clearly express condemnation of discriminatory ideas and acts and
implement the related recommendations arising from the universal periodic review; 20
(b)
Conduct awareness-raising and educational campaigns to promote
respect for universal human rights and cultural diversity;
20
16
A/HRC/36/14, paras. 120.40, 120.45–120.49, 120.54–120.57, 120.60, 120.62 and 120.65.