Next year, 2019, will mark as the 10th anniversary of the Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights. To celebrate, the current Special Rapporteur – Karima Bennoune – has decided to devote her next thematic report to taking stock of the impact of the work of the cultural rights remit, inviting relevant actors to send contributions to inform her study.

Libraries are the primary institutions in any society for safeguarding documentary cultural heritage, as well as ensuring that everyone has the possibility to benefit from it. Libraries are increasingly aware of their role in encouraging creativity, in addition to supporting access to culture, and in promoting understanding and tolerance.

IFLA has contributed to the call by the Special Rapporteur highlighting how libraries are adding to the mandate’s work, as well as the challenges that they face. IFLA is committed to supporting libraries, and to identifying and overcoming barriers.

Find the Call for Contribution here, and read the IFLA contribution to the Special Rapporteur on cultural rights here.