THE STOCKHOLM DECLARATION
(Declaration of ICOMOS marking the 50th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights)
(1998)
Meeting in Stockholm, ICOMOS wishes to underline the
importance of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, celebrating
its 50th anniversary in 1998, in particular its recognition of the
right of everyone to partake freely in the cultural life of the community.
In addition to the importance of specific conventions
or legislation relating to cultural heritage and its preservation,
ICOMOS affirms that the right to cultural heritage is an integral
part of human rights considering the irreplaceable nature of the tangible
and intangible legacy it constitutes, and that it is threatened to
in a world which is in constant transformation. This right carries
duties and responsibilities for individuals and communities as well
as for institutions and states. To protect this right today is to
preserve the rights of future generations.
The right to have the authentic testimony of cultural
heritage, respected as an expression of one's cultural identity within
the human family;
The right to better understand one's heritage and
that of others;
The right to wise and appropriate use of heritage;
The right to participate in decisions affecting heritage
and the cultural values it embodies;
The right to form associations for the protection
and promotion of cultural heritage.
These are rights ICOMOS believes must be respected
in order to preserve and enrich World's cultural diversity.
These rights assume the need to recognize, appreciate
and maintain heritage, and to improve and respect a framework for
action. They assume appropriate development strategies and an equitable
partnership between society, the private sector and individuals to
harmonize interests affecting cultural heritage, and to reconcile
preservation with development. In the spirit that animates such statements,
they call for international co-operation in the conventions, legislation
and other statutory measures.
These are responsibilities that all -- individually
and collectively -- must share just as all share the wealth of the
memory, in the search for a sustainable development at the service
of Mankind.
Stockholm, September 11th, 1998
