ADVANTAGES AND BENEFITSOF RATIFICATION

Model instrument of ratification

All the UNESCO conventions on protection of the cultural heritage – and in particular the 2003 Convention aimed at ensuring the safeguarding of the intangible cultural heritage and thus people’s sense of identity – mainly offer to varying degrees the following advantages and benefits to their States Parties:

  • ensuring safeguarding of the cultural heritage at the international and national levels with a view to its continuity, transmission, development and scientific study;
  • making a socio-cultural contribution to the sustainable development of the country or region;
  • strengthening both local and national identities, and ensuring openness towards other cultures and respect for cultural diversity, a precious equilibrium in view of the socio-economic globalization of the modern world on the one hand and waves of intolerance on the other;
  • fostering socio-cultural continuity between past, present and future generations;
  • promoting and guiding forms of tourism which respect the intangible cultural heritage as a source of identity and social cohesion, as well as encouraging respect for and appreciation of cultural diversity;
  • benefiting from a network of States Parties among which there is genuine international cooperation, assistance and exchanges of experience.

More specifically, by becoming a party to the 2003 Convention a State can count on the mutual commitment of all States Parties concerning the various ways and means of safeguarding the ICH described in the “principles” of the Convention.

How does a State become Party to the Convention?

The State concerned deposits the following instrument

with the Director-General of UNESCO

Model Instrument of Ratification/Acceptance/Approval/Accession

WE ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(NAME OF HEAD OF STATE or GOVERNMENT or MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS)
of ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
(COUNTRY)
Having seen and examined UNESCO’s CONVENTION FOR THE SAFEGUARDINGOF THE INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE (2003)
By virtue of the powers vested in us, have approved it and do approve it in its entiretyand in each part, in accordance with the provisions therein contained,
Declare that we ratify/accept/approve/accede to the said Convention in accordancewith Articles 32 and 33 thereof, and vow that it shall be scrupulously observed,
IN WITNESS WHEREOF we have deposited this instrument of ratification/acceptance/approval/accession, to which we have affixed our seal.
Done at (place)………………………………………………………
On (date)…………………………………………………………………
(Seal)
______
(Signed)
HEAD OF STATE/HEAD OF GOVERNMENT/
MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS