Goal:

To encourage the human rights community to address scientific freedom as an issue of human rights, which is particularly relevant to the obligation on governments to “respect the freedom indispensable for scientific research” (Article 15(3)).

Activities:

Identify scientific associations and human rights organizations with experience in addressing the welfare of scientists; conduct an analysis of existing and previous cases of persecuted scientists and scholars at risk; identify and research multiple cases to determine the human rights implications of restricting scientific freedom in each case; and work with scientific associations to identify positive examples of steps taken by governments to promote scientific freedom.

Outputs:

A comprehensive and annotated list of ways scientific freedom is restricted in practice; multiple case studies demonstrating the human rights impact of restricting scientific freedom; multiple exemplars highlighting positive government measures that promote scientific freedom.

Goal:

To establish relationships with human rights organizations that may receive early indications of threats to and the violation of the human rights of scientists.

Activities:

Meet with human rights organizations in the DC area to discuss the role scientific organizations play in promoting and protecting the human rights of scientists.  Create an open line of communication with these organizations to facilitate speedy updates on threats to and violations of scientists’ human rights, and encourage these human rights organizations to join the Network (below).

Outputs:

Cases brought to the group’s attention via the “Early Detection” Program will be publicized through the Network (below).

Goal:

To increase awareness of current cases involving threats to and the violation of the human rights of scientists.

Activities:

Group members, with the assistance of an AAAS intern, will elicit participation in the Welfare of Scientists Network alert system.  This network will comprise scientific associations and human rights organizations working on behalf of the human rights of scientists, as well as individual members of the working group.  Operated as a listserv, the network will provide a venue for associations and organizations to communicate and collaborate on the protection of human rights of scientists.  By sharing information, participants will ensure cases reach a broader community of activists and, thus, a broader base of support.

Outputs:

A listserv incorporating members of the Resource List that will generate alerts and cross-dialogue on cases of abuse of human rights of scientists.  The listserv will be advertised in the SHRP and Coalition newsletters.

Goal:

To develop a resource document to assist associations working to protect the human rights of scientists.

Activities:

Under the supervision of the working group, an AAAS intern will compile a set of case studies, resources and contacts relevant to the protection of the human rights of scientists.  The intern will solicit the content from the organizations on the Resource List.  The final product will address the multiple ways in which scientists’ human rights may be violated, complete with examples of successful protection, as well as specific contacts and resources, for each type of violation.

Outputs:

The Guide will be made available on the Coalition Resources webpage, with periodic revisions to remain up-to-date.