AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program

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AAAS Human Rights Action Network

Letter of Appeal from the AAAS Committee on Scientific Freedom and Responsibility

3 May 1999

Mr. Michael Ranneberger
Coordinator for Cuban Affairs
U.S. Department of State
ARA/CCA 3234
Washington, DC 20520

Fax: 202 736 4476

Dear Mr. Ranneberger:

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is the largest organization of natural and social scientists in the United States, and the world's largest federation of scientific societies, with 143,000 individual members and 282 affiliated groups. AAAS has been in the forefront of advocacy for the rights of scientists and researchers, and academicians to exchange information and ideas and to participate in scientific activities.

I am writing in regard to the application of Dr. Raul Herrera Valdes, Director of Havana's National Institute of Nephrology, for an entry visa to the United States. Dr. Herrera has submitted a visa application so that he may attend the 18th meeting of the American Society of Transplantation in Chicago, from May 15-20. I urge you to approve Dr. Herrera's request to attend this important meeting. I would like to point out that Dr. Herrera has previously been granted entry visas.

American scientists have expressed their support of Dr. Herrera's application to the AAAS, and his trip is being paid for in full by Medial Action Cooperation with Cuba (MEDICC).

AAAS continues to foster a long-term concern for the right of scientists to travel. The right to travel has special significance for members of the scientific and academic communities worldwide. Scientific and academic societies, as well as international bodies such as the International Council of Scientific Unions (ICSU) and the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) have recognized the right to travel to be essential for the effective conduct of science and other academic pursuits.

AAAS urges you to use your good offices to ensure that Dr. Herrera is granted an entry visa to the U.S. Approval of his visa request will confirm the commitment of the United States government to the free exchange of scientific information and the unfettered ability of scientists to participate in scientific activities.

I am writing in the hope that your intervention will result in a positive and timely response to Dr. Herrera's visa application.

I thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,



Elisa Munoz
Program Associate
AAAS Science and Human Rights Program

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