Abstract
The paper deals with the protection of cultural heritage and defines its value to society within the Faro Convention, which was adopted by the Council of Europe in 2005. Author is focuses on the innovative concept of the “common heritage of Europe“ and its relationship to human rights and fundamental freedoms. The paper addresses the right to cultural heritage which is within the Faro Convention expressed as a dimension of the right to participate in the cultural life of the community and the right to education. In this context, the paper refers to other international human rights documents, such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights or the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. The paper also presents other individual principles and provisions of the Faro Convention regarding organisation of public responsibilities for cultural heritage or access to cultural heritage and democratic participation.