On related issues in nomination/proposal files for lists and register under the 2003 ICH Convention of UNESCO

In the nomination files and relevant documents for lists and register of intangible cultural heritage of UNESCO submitted by Stat parties of 2003 Convention, some common problems have been repeatedly identified. These problems include but are not limited to inappropriate vocabulary especially that related to “authenticity”, protection of children’s rights and animal use. They reflect not only a lack of sufficient understanding on objectives and spirits of UNESCO’s 2003 Convention, but also the fact that UNESCO’s mechanism of ICH lists and register may cause certain inconsistency when facing the extremely complex social and cultural situations and values of different State parties. Therefore, the State parties should try to find a certain balance and compromise between the “common acknowledgment” at the international level and the “self- acknowledgment” at the national or local level.