10. RIGHT TO CULTURE Article 15 (1) The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone: (a) To take part in cultural life; (b) To enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications; (c) To benefit from the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he is the author. (2) The steps to be taken by the States Parties to the present Covenant to achieve the full realization of this right shall include those necessary for the conservation, the development and the diffusion of science and culture. (3) The States Parties to the present Covenant undertake to respect the freedom indispensable for scientific research and creative activity. (4) The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the benefits to be derived from the encouragement and development of international contacts and co-operation in the scientific and cultural fields. 10.1 Understanding the Right to Culture 10.1.1 Concept & Content The meaning of the term “culture” in Article 15 is defined broadly as “a way of life” 368: Its elements would be language, verbal communication, oral and written literature, song, religion or belief systems which [include] rights and ceremonies, material culture, including methods of production or technology, livelihood, the natural an manmade environment, food, clothing, shelter, the arts, customs and traditions, plus a world view representing the totality of a person’s encounter with the external forces affecting his life and that of his community. Culture mirror[s] and shape[s] the economic, social and political life of the community.369 In General Comment No. 21, the CESCR also recalled that “culture is a broad, inclusive concept encompassing all manifestations of human existence.”370 Accordingly, culture: encompasses, inter alia, ways of life, language, oral and written literature, music and song, non-verbal communication, religion or belief systems, rites and ceremonies, sport and games, methods of production or technology, natural and man-made environments, food, clothing and shelter and the arts, customs and traditions through which individuals, groups of individuals and communities express their humanity and the meaning they 93