such as seas, lakes, rivers, mountains, forests and nature reserves,
including the flora and fauna found there, which give nations their
character and biodiversity; intangible cultural goods, such as languages,
customs, traditions, beliefs, knowledge and history, as well as values,
which make up identity and contribute to the cultural diversity of
individuals and communities. Of all the cultural goods, one of special
value is the productive intercultural kinship that arises where diverse
groups, minorities and communities can freely share the same
territory;” 376
Accessibility
“Accessibility consists of effective and concrete opportunities for
individuals and communities to enjoy culture fully, within physical and
financial reach for all in both urban and rural areas, without
discrimination. It is essential, in this regard, that access for older
persons and persons with disabilities, as well as for those who live in
poverty, is provided and facilitated. Accessibility also includes the right
of everyone to seek, receive and share information on all manifestations
of culture in the language of the person’s choice, and the access of
communities to means of expressions and dissemination.” 377
Acceptability
“Acceptability entails that the laws, policies, strategies, programmes and
measures adopted by the State party for the enjoyment of cultural rights
should be formulated and implemented in such a way as to be
acceptable to the individuals and communities involved. In this regard,
consultations should be held with the individuals and communities
concerned in order to ensure that the measures to protect cultural
diversity are acceptable to them;” 378
Adaptability
“Adaptability refers to the flexibility and relevance of strategies, policies,
programmes and measures adopted by the State party in any area of
cultural life, which must be respectful of the cultural diversity of
individuals and communities;” 379
Appropriateness
“Appropriateness refers to the realization of a specific human right in a
way that is pertinent and suitable to a given cultural modality or
context, that is, respectful of the culture and cultural rights of
individuals and communities, including minorities and indigenous
peoples. The Committee has in many instances referred to the notion
of cultural appropriateness (or cultural acceptability or adequacy) in past
general comments, in relation in particular to the rights to food, health,
water, housing and education. The way in which rights are implemented
may also have an impact on cultural life and cultural diversity. The
Committee wishes to stress in this regard the need to take into account,
as far as possible, cultural values attached to, inter alia, food and food
consumption, the use of water, the way health and education services
are provided and the way housing is designed and constructed.” 380
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