A/HRC/34/56/Add.1 Understanding each other’s claims, elaborating a multi-perspective approach and narrative 96. A critical outstanding task on the road to reconciliation and peace is to assemble a comprehensive and shared narrative of past destruction of cultural heritage, of more recent attacks and of current neglect and, for some, desecration. Writing a common history first entails mutual acknowledgment of the existence and legitimacy of a multiplicity of narratives about the past. Efforts should be made to produce joint documentation of all the destruction that has taken place, perhaps by an independent truth commission with members representing the diverse population and possessing great expertise in cultural heritage and history. Such a commission could make recommendations about reconstruction, use, accountability, memorialization and reparation. 97. Consortiums of academics and scholars from across Cyprus could also be usefully created to identify and work on shared research agendas, such as the meaning of cultural heritage, geographical names and the establishment of common maps, history teaching, as well as more technical issues such as excavations. Creative, intermediate, shared and widely accessible spaces, venues and engagements are needed for such exchanges. Political and financial support for such spaces, including those already in existence, such as the Home for Cooperation, is an imperative. 98. In both the south and the north, reported efforts to reform history teaching should be continued and accelerated to ensure it is fostering critical thought, analytic learning and debate. 18 It should not simply shape youth in line with either official ideologies or the guidelines of a dominant religion. 99. In the south and the north, awareness-raising campaigns and educational programmes, including in schools, should be developed on the meaning and importance of cultural heritage in all its diversity, acknowledging the significance specific sites may have for particular groups of people, all Cypriots and indeed humanity as a whole. 100. The Special Rapporteur encourages religious leaders to continue their important efforts for human rights, peace and reconciliation, in particular through the Religious Track of the Cyprus Peace Process. The Religious Track should be supported in thoughtful ways, bearing in mind that many factors other than religion contribute to shaping cultural identities. Hence, great care should be taken to involve women from diverse backgrounds in discussions about peace and reconciliation, and ensure that other marginalized voices, including among the secular, are also able to contribute. Many other tracks should be created, allowing mutual exchanges and understanding in areas other than religion, particularly in the field of culture and education. 101. The issue of the change of use of religious sites needs to be discussed, with a view to ending disrespectful use immediately. Other kinds of use should be discussed and agreed upon with the people concerned, including displaced individuals and local populations, taking into consideration multiple narratives around these sites, the right to freedom of religion or belief, the right to access and enjoy cultural heritage and the need to maintain and preserve the sites. 102. The Special Rapporteur calls for cultural heritage and culture to be recognized as core, non-optional sectors, and for them to receive the greatest possible funding. Supporting the Technical Committees 103. The Technical Committees should be recognized for their achievements, commitment and expertise, and should receive increased financial and political support. As the pace of reconstruction is slow, parallel programmes allowing groups to initiate and participate in reconstruction efforts should also be put in place, paying particular attention to ensuring that the diverse cultural heritage sites benefit from 18 For more detailed recommendations, see A/68/296. 17