A/HRC/17/38 as the manifestations of their sciences, technologies and cultures, including human and genetic resources, seeds, medicines, knowledge of the properties of fauna and flora, oral traditions, literatures, designs, sports and traditional games and visual and performing arts. They also have the right to maintain, control, protect and develop their intellectual property over such cultural heritage, traditional knowledge, and traditional cultural expressions. Article 34 adds that “indigenous peoples have the right to promote, develop and maintain their institutional structures and their distinctive customs, spirituality, traditions, procedures, practices and, in the cases where they exist, juridical systems or customs, in accordance with international human rights standards.” 4. Other human rights 44. Many other human rights norms are important for the implementation of the right of access to and enjoyment of cultural heritage. These must be interpreted in relation to the non-discrimination principle, in particular on the basis of cultural identity. 45. The right of peoples to self-determination protects the right of peoples to freely pursue their cultural development, and dispose of their natural wealth and resources, which has a clear link with cultural heritage. 46. The right to education is crucial in fostering respect for the diversity of cultural heritages and expressions, and in ensuring access to one’s own cultural heritage and that of others. In particular, article 29 (c) of the Convention on the Rights of the Child states that education shall be directed to “the development of respect for the child's parents, his or her own cultural identity, language and values, for the national values of the country in which the child is living, the country from which he or she may originate, and for civilizations different from his or her own.” Linguistic rights within educational systems are especially relevant. Languages should not be downgraded as mere mediums of transmission; they carry and convey histories and world views, constituting heritage in themselves. Besides, the inclusion in educational programmes of peace-making values, attitudes, modes of behaviour and ways of life could make an important contribution to strengthening the ability of youth to resolve conflicts and disputes peacefully, as called for in the Declaration and Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace.49 47. The right to freedom of expression is essential for the development and maintenance of cultural heritage, and dialogue when conflicts of interpretation about the meaning and significance of cultural heritage arise. Similarly, the right to information plays an important role; people need to be adequately informed about the existence, significance and background of diverse cultural heritages, about the possibilities of accessing or participating in these, and, where relevant, about debates surrounding the interpretation to be given to cultural heritage. 48. Since much of cultural heritage has religious connotations, the right to freedom of thought and religion is of great relevance for the right of access to and enjoyment cultural heritage, as it protects, in particular, access to religious sites and memorials, as well as the pursuit of religious practices. 49 General Assembly resolution 53/243. 13

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