HRC60: Joint statement on Cultural rights of persons with disabilities

Delivered by Italy - co sponsored by Cyprus, Iraq and Mexico

I am honoured to deliver this statement on behalf of a cross-regional group of countries which includes 144 States.

Cultural rights are enshrined in key international human rights instruments, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. These instruments encompass the right to participate in cultural life, to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications, and to benefit from the protection of moral and material interests resulting from one’s scientific, literary, or artistic production.

The Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) reaffirms in article 30 the right of persons with disabilities to take  part on an equal basis with others in cultural life , as well as to be entitled to recognition and support of  their specific cultural and linguistic identity, including sign languages and deaf culture.

Despite notable normative progress, persons with disabilities continue to face significant barriers to the full enjoyment of their cultural rights. We wish to stress the urgency of raising awareness and fostering dialogue among all stakeholders to address these challenges. It is essential to explore innovative, inclusive, and practical solutions, including through accessible digitalization of cultural heritage, that guarantee to persons with disabilities, including those with intellectual disabilities and those with psychosocial disabilities: first, equal access; second, participation to cultural life and heritage; and third, ability to maintain and develop their cultural and linguistic identity. This encompasses ensuring access to cultural materials, including art, theatre, audiovisual content, and other expressions of creativity and cultural activities, in accessible formats, as well as the provision of reasonable accommodation and support measures. Strengthening legal frameworks that fully address all aspects of the Convention and harmonizing policies at the international level are crucial. Equally important is integrating the cultural rights of persons with disabilities -promoting their full participation and leadership where possible- into education systems and awareness-raising initiatives. This includes embedding such rights in curricula, teacher training, cultural materials in accessible formats, and inclusive media. These measures will ensure that the cultural rights of persons with disabilities are effectively protected and enforced, supported by clear accessibility standards.

Civil society plays a vital role in advocating for and implementing inclusive cultural policies and practices. Their meaningful and safe participation should be supported andpromoted .

As highlighted by the UN Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, access to and enjoyment of cultural heritage is also a human right and an integral part to the broader effort of preserving and safeguarding cultural heritage. The Human Rights Council, in Resolution A/HRC/RES/58/4 on Cultural rights and the protection of cultural heritage, highlighted the importance of digitalization of cultural heritage in a manner inclusive and empowering to persons with disabilities and recognized the essential role of cultural rights as well as persons with disabilities in addressing global challenges.

The full participation of persons with disabilities in cultural life and heritage for all, including their leading in all phases of initiatives and policies that concern them is fundamental for stability, sustainable development, social cohesion, reconstruction and lasting peace and should also be addressed in emergencies, armed conflict, and post-conflict settings.

We truly wish to “leave no one behind,” promoting and protecting cultural rights for persons with disabilities is not merely a question of empowerment—it is fundamental to building just, resilient, and equitable societies.

We therefore call for strengthened international cooperation to promote and protect the cultural rights of persons with disabilities, and to ensure that these rights are upheld universally, at all times, and in all circumstances.