The Role of UNESCO in Preserving and Promoting Human Rights: From Audiovisual Heritage to Science for Peace and Development

Rasool Mogooei

PhD Student in International Relations, University of Isfahan

UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) plays a significant role in safeguarding and advancing human rights globally, aligned with its broad and international mandates. Through various programs and initiatives worldwide, UNESCO promotes a culture of peace, sustainable development, and respect for human rights.

One of UNESCO’s primary missions is the preservation of humanity’s audiovisual heritage, which includes films, music, audio recordings, and historical images essential for maintaining the culture and history of different societies. UNESCO designated October 27 as World Day for Audiovisual Heritage in 2005 to highlight this purpose. Through digitization and preservation efforts, UNESCO aims to transmit these cultural treasures to future generations. Such heritage represents not only human artistry and creativity but also serves as critical tools for education and raising awareness of human rights elements.

The World Science Day for Peace and Development, established by UNESCO in 2001, underscores the importance of science and technology in fostering peace and sustainable development. By implementing global educational and research programs, UNESCO promotes science and technology as vital tools for addressing contemporary global challenges and enhancing human rights. Through international cooperation and knowledge exchange, UNESCO assists countries in leveraging scientific knowledge to improve living conditions and protect human rights.

UNESCO’s Role in Protecting Audiovisual Heritage

• Digitization: A key action UNESCO undertakes is the digitization of audiovisual heritage. This process preserves works from physical degradation, enhances access, and reduces maintenance costs by converting analog content into digital formats. UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, established in 1997, now includes over 450 documented heritage items (Fasle Honar, 2022).
• Conservation Projects: UNESCO conducts various physical conservation projects for this heritage, including restoration and archival preservation. Working with member countries, UNESCO also identifies significant cultural and natural sites through the World Heritage List and engages local communities in conservation efforts.
• Training Specialists: Through courses and workshops, UNESCO trains specialists in preserving audiovisual heritage, covering protective techniques, digitization, and archive management.
• Public Awareness Campaigns: UNESCO uses media programs and public campaigns to inform communities about the importance of safeguarding audiovisual heritage, underscoring that these collections are integral to cultural history and identity.

UNESCO’s Role in Promoting Science for Peace and Development

• Scientific Research: By supporting diverse scientific research, UNESCO works towards new findings that can address global issues in education, climate change, public health, sustainable agriculture, and water management. For example, the “Water for All” project has notably contributed to improving water resource management and access to drinking water in developing regions, safeguarding the human right to water.
• International Collaboration: UNESCO encourages countries and scientific institutions to engage in international collaborations, facilitating knowledge exchange and solving shared problems.
• Promoting Science Education: UNESCO enhances access to quality science education through global programs, from primary to advanced levels, including specialized courses across various scientific fields.
• Sustainable Development Through Science: By advocating for the use of science and technology in achieving sustainable development goals, UNESCO promotes clean technology and reduced natural resource consumption, supporting environmental protection, poverty reduction, and sustained community growth. Embracing science helps communities understand and address crises such as deforestation and pollution, fostering cooperation for resource preservation for future generations (Rezayi & Hosseini, 2023).
• Public Awareness: UNESCO also focuses on renewable energy awareness programs, assisting developing countries in formulating renewable energy initiatives, such as solar energy projects, and promoting public awareness of its importance (Mosaffa, 2011).

UNESCO’s activities are underpinned by several international conventions, which serve as legal frameworks for its work in culture, education, science, and communication:

1. 1972 Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage: This convention commits countries to protect sites of global significance, known for their unique cultural and natural values.
2. 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage: Adopted in 2003, this convention aims to protect intangible heritage, such as languages, traditions, and cultural rituals, which define the identity of various communities and often face risks of erosion. UNESCO aids countries in protecting this heritage through educational and cultural initiatives.
3. 2005 Convention on the Protection and Promotion of the Diversity of Cultural Expressions: This convention, established in 2005, supports the diversity of cultural expressions and creativity within societies. It encourages countries to protect cultural industries, emphasizing the recognition and legal protection of diverse cultures and traditions.
4. 1954 Hague Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict: This convention requires countries to protect cultural properties from destruction and looting during military conflicts.
5. 1970 Convention on the Means of Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import, Export, and Transfer of Ownership of Cultural Property: Adopted in 1970, this convention aims to combat the trafficking of cultural property. UNESCO collaborates with countries to enforce laws for the restitution of stolen cultural assets and to prevent access to such items by illegal networks.
6. 1960 Convention Against Discrimination in Education: This key convention in UNESCO’s human rights work emphasizes the universal right to non-discriminatory education, affirming that access to education should be available to all, irrespective of race, ethnicity, religion, or gender. UNESCO strengthens educational programs for vulnerable groups and helps countries develop inclusive education policies (United Nations Treaty Collection).

References

• Rezayi, Maryam & Roghayeh Sadat Hosseini. (2023). “Green Peace and Sustainability: A Message from World Science Day for the Inhabitants of Earth,” available at isna.ir/xdPVJy.
• Mosaffa, Nasrin. (2011). “UNESCO’s Role in Promoting Science,” Science Promotion Quarterly, Vol. 1, No. 1.
• World Day for Audiovisual Heritage. (2022). Available at https://www.faslehonar.ir/posts/333278-%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%B2-%D8%AC%D9%87%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C-%D9%85%DB%8C%D8%B1%D8%A7%D8%AB-%D8%B3%D9%85%D8%B9%DB%8C-%D9%88-%D8%A8%D8%B5%D8%B1%DB%8C
• United Nations Treaty Collection. Available at https://treaties.un.org/Pages/Home.aspx?clang=_en