World Day for Cultural Diversity for Dialogue and Development, a joint initiative by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), is celebrated annually on 21 May around the world.  This occasion is intended to remind us of the importance of increasing our understanding and acceptance of cultures other than our own.  In recognition of this day, organisations celebrating World Day for Cultural Diversity ask us to ‘Do One Thing for Diversity and Inclusion’ by taking concrete action to support cultural plurality.

 As the Director-General of UNESCO indicated:

 “Cultural diversity is our shared heritage and the greatest opportunity before humanity. It holds the promise of renewal and dynamism, and an engine of innovation and development. It is also an invitation to dialogue, discovery and cooperation. In a diverse world, the destruction of cultures is a crime, and uniformity is a dead-end: our aim must be to enhance, in one movement, the diversity that enriches us and the human rights that bring us together.”

 According to our 2010 Census Report, Cayman presently boasts citizens from 135 different countries and territories as its residents — no small feat for a group of islands with a total land mass of one hundred square miles — we are indeed a culturally diverse society.  Welcoming people from other cultures to our shores is ingrained in our rich history.  From our maritime heritage to tourism industries cultural integration is a foundation of our economy.  The presence of so many residents from around the world allows us to embrace and learn from different and diverse cultures, improve our understanding of an increasingly globalised world and thereby enhance our own society.  

 Section 1 of our Constitutional Bill of Rights, Freedoms and Responsibilities reflects this, highlighting the importance of balancing the distinct culture of Cayman with “the rule of law and the democratic values of human dignity, equality and freedom.”

 Under the Constitution we are each provided with important rights which allow us to express our own unique cultural circumstances and traditions. These include our freedom of conscience and religion, freedom of expression and the right to non-discrimination.  Nevertheless, these rights are not unlimited.  Importantly, our rights to maintain our own cultural values are balanced with those of others in our society and should not impinge on any other individuals’ or groups’ enjoyment of their rights under the Constitution.  

 The Human Rights Commission encourages all sections of society in Cayman to take this important message to heart, from employers, schools and civic organisations to families and individuals.  UNAOC offers some suggestions of how we can each enhance and support cultural diversity in practical ways:

1. Visit an art exhibit or a museum focusing on a culture different than your own;

2. Learn about another religion by reading a book or attending services;

3. Plan an international movie night;

4. Attend a performance or listen to a musical tradition from a different culture;

5. Play a sport related to a different culture;

6. Invite a friend from a different culture over and cook your traditional food for them;

7. Learn about traditional celebrations from other cultures by asking your friends and colleagues;

8. Volunteer with an organisation working for diversity and inclusion;

9. Learn another language — even just a few words; or

10. Spread the word around to family and friends, and invite people from a different culture to share your customs.

Enhancing cultural diversity is important to ensure that human rights are applied equitably and fairly for all of us and part of the way that the Human Rights Commission continues to work to promote, protect and preserve human rights in the Cayman Islands.