TNAG-1124-FCO40-1399-Implementation-of-the-International-Covenant-on-Economic--So-1982 — Page 28

E/1982/3/Add.16

English Page 22

A.

ARTICLE 15:

RIGHT TO TAKE PART IN CULTURAL LIFE AND TO ENJOY

THE BENEFITS OF SCIENTIFIC PROGRESS AND THE PROTECTION OF THE INTEREST OF AUTHORS

Right to take part in cultural life

(1) Enshrined in the unwritten constitution of the Island is the right of everyone to take part in the cultural life,

(2) Practical measures include:

(a) The publication of the States of Jersey Budget throughout the news media indicates the extent to which the Government promotes cultural developments and encourages population participation, including public support of private initiative,

(b) A number of States Committees have a responsibility in this area, including Education, Public Works, Island Development and Fort Regent, all of which work closely with private bodies or incorporations such as the Societe Jersiaise, the Arts Council, Jersey Heritage Trust, sports bodies and conservation organizations;

(c) With a population of 75,000, the cultural identity is part of the social heritage,

(d) There are no minority ethnic groups on the Island. However, there is concern that the Island's language (Jersey-French) is falling into disuse, and to remedy this, a "language bank" of definitive tapes is being established in the archives;

(e) Local radio, television and newspaper all contribute to the Island's cultural life;

(f) Preservation and presentation of mankind's cultural heritage are maintained through societies, museums, the public library, art galleries, archaeological sites; in addition, building controls ensure that buildings of architectural/historic work are maintained. The "Jersey Heritage Trust" has recently been formed, with the object of acquiring preserving and displaying to their best advantage, in the interests of both islanders and visitors, movables and immovables forming part of Jersey culture;

(g) There is no legislation protecting the freedom of artistic creation and performance. The only limitations imposed on such freedom are that no such display should offend morals or contravene the laws on public nuisance,

(h) The Education Committee provides professional teaching in art, music, local studies, conservation of environment and life,

(1) It is considered that the rights covered by this section are adequately realized. The maintenance of the Island's cultural heritage on a voluntary basis will be assisted only so long as the community believes it to be an acceptable and worth-while project.

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