Human Rights and Citizenship: Universal Concepts and the Dialogue with the Intersectionality of Local Heritage Expressions.

Abstract

The article explores the intersection between Human Rights, citizenship, and cultural heritage, highlighting the challenges and dynamics of these relationships in global and local contexts. The preservation of cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, is essential to the identity and collective memory of communities but faces paradoxes and tensions between universal values and specific interests. Examples include the patrimonialization of the sombrero vueltiao in Colombia and the impact of heritage restoration in the city of Goiás, Brazil. Both cases emphasize how cultural symbols can be appropriated to promote national identities while local communities face economic or social exclusion. Additionally, the article discusses the importance of intersectionality in analyzing inequalities and the active role of communities in heritage management. Ultimately, it advocates for balancing preservation policies and local rights, fostering an inclusive dialogue between the state and communities to overcome tensions and ensure cultural sustainability.