Negotiating Cultural Rights

Abstract

Travelling the world in her capacity as United Nations Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, Farida Shaheed frequently witnessed intense disagreement over events in the past. Although history is one of the few mandatory curriculum subjects in education systems the world over, 2 Shaheed's work nevertheless convinced her that, in most societies, people cannot access historical narratives and cultural heritage in a way that fosters critical thinking and the understanding of alternative realities and perspectives. 3 Historical research and its presentation to a popular audience are 'about identity, about who we are and where we came from', Richard J Evans argues. 4 We are living through a 'memory boom': David Lowenthal has noted that the past, 'once certified by experts and reliant on written texts, has become a fragmented, contested history forged by us all.' 5 The power of historical narratives to shape identities, arouse emotions and motivate and legitimate political action are a source of both inspiration and worry for states, groups and individuals and therefore also for international organizations like the UN. How should the past be researched, taught and remembered?