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Preamble

Reaffirming the inherent right of all people to respect, safeguard, and honor their cultural and civilizational heritage, which constitutes an integral component of identity, history, and human dignity,

Recognizing that cultural heritage is a fundamental human right, enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the UNESCO Universal Declaration on Cultural Diversity, and upheld by international legal frameworks and multilateral agreements,

Acknowledging that any form of disregard, degradation, or desecration of cultural heritage and civilizational identity constitutes an affront to the collective dignity of peoples and is comparable in its severity to violations of individual human dignity,

Concerned that the unlawful appropriation, reproduction, exploitation, destruction, or misrepresentation of cultural heritage—whether through unauthorized possession, replication, or economic gain—undermines the rightful guardianship of civilizations over their cultural legacy,

Reaffirming that nations and communities possess inalienable collective rights to protect their cultural sites, artifacts, and heritage, which derive their significance from historical, cultural, and civilizational values intrinsic to their original environments and societies,

Observing the inadequacy of existing legal frameworks and intellectual property mechanisms in fully safeguarding civilizational rights and cultural heritage,

Recognizing the urgent necessity of appointing a dedicated and independent global agency to champion and oversee the implementation, promotion, and advocacy of this Global Declaration on Civilization Rights. The Civilization Rights Institute (CRI) shall serve as the central, non-governmental, and non-profit international entity entrusted with advancing the principles of this declaration. CRI will act as the authoritative platform for fostering global dialogue, coordinating cross-cultural initiatives, and advocating for the recognition and protection of civilization rights on an international scale. As an impartial steward of civilizational heritage, CRI shall ensure that no single entity, institution, or government monopolizes the discourse on civilization rights, thereby reinforcing their universal and impartial nature.

Determined to establish a collective framework to protect and promote civilization rights, ensuring cultural continuity, recognition, and restitution,

We, the undersigned, declare this Global Declaration on Civilization Rights and the Establishment of the International Day for Civilization Rights, setting forth the following principles to safeguard, sustain, and uphold the dignity of cultural and civilizational heritage:

The removal, destruction, or unauthorized transfer of cultural artifacts, monuments, or structures from their original civilizational environment, regardless of time or location, constitutes a violation of civilizational rights and shall be addressed through international legal mechanisms.

The current state of cultural heritage preservation in foreign institutions necessitates liberation from antiquated legal frameworks rooted in colonial-era ideologies that permitted the extraction and redistribution of cultural artifacts. This movement aligns with broader human rights advancements, paralleling the global abolition of slavery and the recognition of fundamental human dignity.

All states and entities shall recognize the material and moral rights of nations and peoples over their cultural heritage, and no entity shall exploit cultural heritage—including artifacts, monuments, names, symbols, or reproductions—without the explicit authorization of the rightful custodians.

Custodians of cultural heritage shall uphold the highest standards of preservation and ethical engagement, ensuring that cultural artifacts remain safeguarded within their original environments whenever possible.

The study and advancement of Civilizology, the interdisciplinary field dedicated to analyzing the resilience, development, and protection of civilizations, shall be recognized and institutionalized in academic and international policy discourse as a means of strengthening civilizational continuity.

Civilization rights shall be universally recognized as equal to other fundamental rights, such as human rights, animal rights, and intellectual property rights. Steps shall be taken to designate June 10 as the International Day for Civilization Rights, to be officially recognized by the United Nations.

Civilization rights shall remain independent of political, racial, ethnic, religious, or ideological biases. No entity advocating for civilization rights shall engage in or support political campaigns or discriminatory actions.

National and international efforts shall be coordinated to enhance awareness of civilization rights, reinforce global cooperation, and foster policies that promote the sustainable preservation of cultural heritage.

An international framework shall be established to facilitate the return and restitution of cultural artifacts and heritage held outside their original nations. States and institutions in possession of such heritage shall engage in good-faith negotiations for repatriation in accordance with international standards.

The protection of civilizational heritage shall be recognized as an intergenerational responsibility, ensuring that cultural assets are preserved and transmitted from past custodians to future stewards.

Multilateral initiatives and international collaborations shall be encouraged to assess the needs of heritage sites, implement conservation projects, and integrate sustainable development goals in cultural preservation efforts.

A Global Civilization Rights Coalition shall be established to enhance cooperation, advocacy, and legal enforcement of civilizational rights, engaging states, institutions, and civil society organizations.

By endorsing this declaration, we commit to the recognition, preservation, and protection of cultural heritage as a fundamental pillar of human civilization, ensuring its continuity and rightful place in the global community.