Between 1972 and 2014, UNESCO recognized 1007 world heritage “properties”. While the world heritage system aims to protect sites of outstanding universal value, the human rights system seeks to advance democracy and human rights. Emerging literature points to the critical, yet often problematic, nature of heritage recognition in relation to human rights. The Asia-Pacific region is particularly revelatory in terms of the diverse, social, legal and institutional challenges concerned. Through a a common framework, the research will allow to trace rights dynamics at site, country and international levels. Countries covered include Australia, Vietnam, Nepal and the Philippines.
The project will explore how rights issues are being articulated in heritage standards and legislation, and how values, practices and institutional conditions shape rights. It will furthermore examine the needs and opportunities to strengthen rights implementation. The research will contribute to the development of comprehensive policy recommendations