Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

Day of General Discussion on
“The right to take part in cultural life”

9 May 2008

Objectives of the Day of General Discussion

During its 40 th session (28 April – 16 May 2008), the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights will organise a Day of General Discussion (DGD) on the right to take part in cultural life (article 15 (1) (a) of the Covenant).

The DGD is a public meeting. Government representatives, United Nations bodies and specialised agencies, United Nations human rights mechanisms, national human rights institutions, non-governmental organisations and other interested organisations or individuals are welcome to take part.

The aim of the DGD is to foster a deeper understanding of the content and implications of article 15 (1) (a) of the Covenant. The General discussion will aim at:

Date and venue

The DGD will take place in Geneva, OHCHR, Palais Wilson, 52, rue des Pâquis, 1201 Genève, on Friday 9 May 2008 from 10.00 to 13.00 and from 15.00 to 18.00.

Towards a General Comment on the right to take part in cultural life

At its 37 th session, the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights decided to begin consideration of a draft General Comment on the right to take part in cultural life. The DGD will offer an opportunity to the Committee to advance with its formulation of a General Comment.

Participation in the Day of General Discussion

The Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights invites States parties, United Nations specialised agencies and bodies, United Nations human rights mechanisms, national human rights institutions, trade unions, employers’ organisations, non-governmental organisations or individuals to provide written contributions on any of the discussion topics of the DGD, as well as their participation in the discussions.

Written contributions may be submitted in English, French or Spanish. They will be issued as official UN documents, but will not be edited or translated. They should be limited to a maximum of 20 pages.

The Committee requests that written contributions be sent to the Secretariat in electronic form by email to gmendoza-solorio@ohchr.org by 14 April 2008.

All contributions will be made available on the present webpage in their language of submission.

Further information

For further information on the Day of General Discussion, please contact Ms. Georgina Mendoza-Solorio at gmendoza-solorio@ohchr.org or by telephone at +41 (0) 22 917 9699.