Mauritania has implemented several constitutional, institutional and legal reforms in the past decade: major amendments to the Constitution in 2006 and 2012, adoption of the Family Code and establishment of a certain number of institutions for the promotion of cultural rights including the Mauritanian Institute of Music, the Department of Arts and Culture, the Department of Publications and Public Libraries, the Department of Cultural Heritage… Cultural rights are protected in the Constitution which stipulates that: “… the People of Mauritania recognizes and proclaims its cultural diversity, the backbone of national unity and social cohesion, and its corollary, the right to be different. Arabic, the official language of the country, and other national languages, Fula, Soninke and Wolof, constitute in themselves a joint national heritage of all Mauritanians which the State must preserve and promote on behalf of all.” The correlation between “cultural diversity” and “national unity” emphasizes the importance attached to the promotion of cultural rights. Article 10 of the Constitution stipulates: “The State guarantees public and individual freedoms for all citizens, in particular… freedom of intellectual, artistic and scientific creation.” Article 15 guarantees the right to property, a right which is essential to ensure the realization of certain types of cultural rights such as copyright. - Assessment of cultural rights Promotion of cultural rights consists of encouraging creation in all of its forms. It also involves relying on mass communication media including radio and television networks. Preservation of cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, remains a priority for the Government. - Right of access and enjoy cultural heritage The national tangible heritage includes archaeological sites, historical sites and old cities declared world heritage sites. Significant efforts were deployed to document and promote cultural heritage as a living tradition in the country through the establishment of museums and other related initiatives, and the organization of festivals and cultural weeks throughout the country enabling the population to participate in and access cultural life. - Support to cultural initiatives and respect of the right to freedom of association Organization of annual festivals on old cities is an indication of the degree to which public authorities are involved in the safeguard and promotion of cultural rights. In terms of freedom of association, intrinsically linked to cultural rights, our country opted for a system whereby a declaration is to be made. Associations must submit their 46