A/HRC/37/55 overcoming them.15 Memorialization might take the form of physical monuments, but can also refer to artistic and cultural expressions. The contributions of artists and cultural workers in these processes must be broadly acknowledged. 24. As stated by the Special Rapporteur on the promotion of truth, justice, reparation and guaranties of non-recurrence, cultural interventions can significantly contribute to the cause of transitional justice. Explicitly integrating cultural elements and citizen participation in truth and reconciliation commissions has proven, in the cases of Peru, Timor-Leste and Sierra Leone, to increase their effectiveness. The Special Rapporteur noted that conflicts could be stopped by those he called “cultural entrepreneurs”, who were deeply aware of the importance of making victims visible. 16 IV. Specific contributions and challenges 25. Creative approaches in the field of culture contribute in many ways to creating, developing and maintaining peaceful and inclusive societies in which all human rights can find increased realization. Some of these contributions are analysed below. However, the Special Rapporteur notes that further research and discussion are needed to assemble a more complete picture of best practice in these areas, and to increase awareness of how this work can enhance the enjoyment of human rights in general and cultural rights in particular. A. Embracing cultural diversity 26. Many artistic and cultural approaches aim at promoting and embodying values associated with pluralism and respect for human rights and cultural diversity and act as an integrative factor in society, creating opportunities to meet and dialogue across gender, class, ethnic, religious, age and other divides; spaces to overcome the fear of the unknown “other” and to recognize commonalities, equality and human dignity. 27. Because artistic and cultural expressions inevitably carry multiple meanings and invite multiple interpretations, they nourish capacities to tolerate ambiguity and embrace paradox, the ability to imagine innovative solutions to problems and the willingness to attune to others’ perceptual sensibilities. Such initiatives contribute to promoting a human rights culture and constitute opportunities to exercise and bolster cultural rights. 28. Cultural initiatives to strengthen norms of freedom of expression and cultural vibrancy take many different forms. For example, Arterial Network, a dynamic pan-African civil society network of artists, cultural activists, entrepreneurs, enterprises, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), institutions and donors, is active in Africa’s creative and cultural sectors. Its mission is to facilitate partnerships within civil society, beyond national borders and between African and international partners so as to develop a sustainable creative sector in a manner that contributes to development, human rights, democracy and the eradication of poverty on the African continent. Arterial Network also monitors freedom of artistic expression. Its project Artwatch Africa aims to assess, promote and defend rights to creative expression for artists and cultural practitioners in Africa. The organization also publishes many practical resources for those working in this field, including a template to support government and civil society actors in developing cultural policies mindful of context.17 29. Another relevant initiative that advocates for inclusive cultural policies that respect universal human rights is the grass-roots “people-powered” action network known as the United States Department of Arts and Culture. It issued Standing for Cultural Democracy: the USDAC’s Policy and Action Platform, which invokes the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and calls for investment in the cultural sector, focusing on support for artists 15 16 17 See A/HRC/25/49, paras. 13–14. See A/HRC/28/36, paras. 24–27. See www.arterialnetwork.org/artwatch. 7