United Nations
General Assembly
A/HRC/20/26/Add.1
Distr.: General
10 April 2012
Original: English
Human Rights Council
Twentieth session
Agenda item 3
Promotion and protection of all human rights, civil,
political, economic, social and cultural rights,
including the right to development
Report of the Independent Expert in the field of cultural
rights, Ms. Farida Shaheed
Addendum
Mission to Austria (5-15 April 2011)*
Summary
In the present report, the Independent Expert in the field of cultural rights presents
the major findings of the official mission she undertook to Austria from 5 to 15 April 2011
at the invitation of the Government. The main purpose of the visit was to examine aspects
of the promotion and the protection of cultural rights in Austria, particularly the right of
everyone to take part in cultural life, to learn about, contribute to, and enjoy one‟s own
culture and that of others, including the right to use one‟s own language and to profess
one's own religion. The Independent Expert also looked at action taken to promote cultural
diversity and foster intercultural understanding, as well as to guarantee access to and
enjoyment of cultural heritage.
The report looks at the normative and institutional framework in place to promote
cultural rights and cultural diversity, as well as the challenges and achievements in the
realization of these rights. The report concludes with some recommendations to strengthen
the promotion and protection of cultural rights for all in Austria.
*
GE.12-12908
The summary is circulated in all official languages. The report, which is annexed to the
summary, is circulated in the language of submission only.