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Since its establishment in 1977, the Science and Human Rights Program (SHRP) has developed a reputation for pioneering
applications of science and technology for human rights purposes that include
forensic and genetic sciences, statistical and information management techniques,
electronic encryption technologies, and, most recently, geospatial technologies. As
the human rights program of the world's largest multidisciplinary scientific
membership organization, SHRP is committed to engaging scientists and marshalling scientific
tools, techniques, and technologies to enhance the impact of human rights work,
and to bringing human rights norms to the conduct of science.
Moving forward, SHRP will pursue projects in four program areas:
I. Scientists for Human Rights will focus on engaging scientists
in human rights efforts through the Science and Human Rights Coalition – a partnership
of scientific societies and professional associations – and projects that enlist
the expertise of individual scientists through a network of pro bono
Consultants and Fellows and Fellowships programs. Together, these projects will
provide a variety of opportunities for scientists to work with the human rights
community to effectively tackle human rights challenges.
II. Science for Human Rights will focus on identifying practical and
appropriate scientific solutions to human rights problems and transferring the
requisite scientific skills to human rights organizations. SHRP currently is
pursuing advanced applications of geospatial technologies to multiple human
rights challenges, has begun work on wireless communications technologies, and
is exploring the potential uses of other technologies, such as structure mapping
and budget analysis, in efforts to advance human rights.
III. Science as a Human Right, which is articulated as the right to
“enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications” (Article 15
of the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights) will
be actively explored, developed, and promoted by SHRP. Once the right has been
properly conceptualized, SHRP will explore the potential for this human right
to enable the realization of important global initiatives such as the United
Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
IV. Human Rights, Scientists, and the Conduct of Science will organize
SHRP’s efforts to foster awareness of and respect for internationally recognized
human rights norms by bringing together distinguished scientists, human rights
leaders, and the public to consider the human rights implications of new technologies
and scientific discoveries as well as science policy and practice.
The Program receives guidance and general oversight from the AAAS Committee
on Scientific Freedom and Responsibility.
For more information or to become involved, please contact us at shrp@aaas.org.
(site updated 06/21/2007)
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