AAAS Science and Human Rights Program

Statistical Mechanics Conference

Rutgers University

May 12, 2008

AAAS Science and Human Rights Program

Established in 1977

Defend persecuted colleagues

Bring scientific knowledge and methodologies to human rights work

Provide technical assistance to human rights groups …

Forensic and genetic sciences (1980s)

Statistical and information management techniques (1990s)

Electronic encryption technologies (1990s)

A “violations approach” to monitoring economic, social, and cultural rights (1990s)

International Bill of Human Rights

International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966) Elections

Information

Torture

Liberty

Association

International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966) Work

Water

Health

Environment

Benefits of Scientific Progress

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)

Cold War post-Cold War

What CPR CPR and ESCR

Where Abroad At home and abroad

Who Lawyers All kinds of expertise – scientists are vital

AAAS Science and Human Rights Program

Preparing for a fourth decade …

Furthers AAAS mission

Builds on AAAS strengths

Demonstrable impact

Non-duplicative

Responds to needs of human rights field

AAAS Science and Human Rights Program (2007)

I. Scientists for Human Rights

II. Science for Human Rights

III. Human Rights and the Conduct of Science

IV. Science as a Human Right

I. Scientists for Human Rights

Scientific Associations

AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition

Individual Scientists

“On-call” Scientists

Other: Fellows, Research Fellowships, and Prize 

AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition

Areas of Activity

1. Welfare of Scientists

2. Science Ethics and Human Rights

3. Service to the Community of Scientific Associations

4. Service to the Human Rights Community

5. Information Materials

AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition

Area of Activity I: Welfare of Scientists

Protect and defend scientists under threat

Improve the effectiveness of scientific associations in responding to cases

Expand the scientific community’s awareness and appreciation of the importance of acting on behalf of colleagues

II. Science for Human Rights

Geospatial Technologies Wireless Communication Technologies

Network Mapping Budget Analysis

III. Human Rights and the Conduct of Science

Will bring together distinguished scientists, human rights leaders, and the public to consider the human rights implications of new technologies, scientific discoveries, and science policy and practice.

IV. Science as a Human Right

“States shall recognize the right of everyone … to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications.”

-- International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, Article 15

“To advance science and innovation throughout the world for the benefit of all people”

-- AAAS Mission

Article 15, International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights

States shall:

1. recognize the right of everyone to (b) enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications;

2. conserve, develop and diffuse science and culture;

3. respect the freedom indispensable for scientific research and creative activity; and

4. recognize the benefits of international contacts and co-operation in the scientific and cultural fields.

The Four Program Areas …

I. Scientists for Human Rights

II. Science for Human Rights

III. Human Rights and the Conduct of Science

IV. Science as a Human Right