The thesis examines the normative scope of the right of access to and enjoyment of cultural heritage. It reviews how access and enjoyment are reflected in international legal instruments beyond UNESCO Culture Conventions and analyses decisions by regional human rights courts (the European Court of Human Rights, the Inter-American Court of Human Rights and the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights) and international tribunals.

Furthermore, the study assesses the monitoring of State obligations concerning access and enjoyment of cultural heritage within the United Nations human rights system. It focuses on the work of the United Nations Special Rapporteur in the Field of Cultural Rights and the Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, including the assessment of the activation of the individual communication procedure under the Optional Protocol to the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights for the protection of the right of access to and enjoyment of cultural heritage.