For decades the scientific community has been advocating to free imprisoned scientists, to protect scientists threatened for revealing politically unpopular scientific findings, and to maintain open borders, allowing global scientific exchange. Arguments based on human rights have proven valuable in these efforts. Yet, one right has remained largely ignored and wholly underutilized, that is the right to “enjoy the benefits of scientific progress,” and specifically its companion, the obligation of governments to “respect the freedom indispensable for scientific research.” (Article 15, International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights).
History has demonstrated that governments’ commitment to human rights is only as strong as the demands of their citizens. For the right to scientific freedom to be made a reality, therefore, it behooves the scientific community to give focus to this right, as a subject of analysis, and the basis of action. Indeed, on April 16, 2010 the Board of Directors of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) adopted a statement on the human right to the benefits of scientific progress, calling on scientists to give focus to this right, and determine its practical implications. In the statement, the Board recognizes that, “ensuring the freedom of scientists to engage in scientific inquiry” and “fostering international cooperation in science” are basic tenets of the right.
There are several human rights that have traditionally been recognized as relevant to scientific freedom, from the rights to freedom of expression and information, to the rights to freedom of association and movement. Human rights, more than moral claims or appeals to social justice, serve as particularly useful tools in holding governments to account for their action: human rights are universal standards, commanding global recognition; and they constitute legal requirements, binding on governments on account of their international and regional treaty commitments, as well as domestic constitutional and legislative frameworks.
What the language of Article 15 potentially adds to the traditional framework is three-fold: first, the specific focus on scientific research demonstrates the value placed on science, when conducted responsibly, as contributing to human rights; secondly, the focus on science also provides a rallying point to unite the global scientific community when faced with common threats and challenges; and, finally, the broad reference to “freedom indispensable for scientific research” has potentially wider-ranging applications than the human rights traditionally relied upon by the scientific community.
In June 2007, UNESCO initiated a multi-lateral process to determine the precise meaning and practical implications of the right to benefit from science, including the responsibility to promote scientific freedom. Among the approximately 40 participants, AAAS was the only scientific organization represented. As such, the Association has decided to take an active role in bringing more scientists to the table, for it is only with the effective engagement of scientists that adequate guidance about the meaning and application of this right can be given to governments, civil society and the courts and tribunals responsible for ensuring compliance with the right. A process has begun that promises to shed light on this much-neglected human right, and the scientific community is encouraged to ensure its voice, interests, and concerns are heard. Scientific associations can identify the discipline- specific implications of the right, while individual scientists can raise awareness about this right through their own networks and communities. Far more than an academic exercise, the outcome of this process will be important, not only for governments legally bound to respect, protect and fulfill this right, but for the scientific community, the interests of which are intrinsically tied to the provisions of this right.