AAAS Scientific Responsibility, Human Rights and Law Program

A Symposium and Working Meeting

Rights and Responsibilities: Scientific Associations and International Human Rights Norms

hosted by
AAAS Science and Human Rights Program

International Human Rights Day
Monday, 10 December 2007

During the past several years, in response to growing interest on the part of their members, several major scientific and professional associations have begun to increase their involvement in human rights issues. Invoking international human rights treaties and norms, they placed human rights on the agendas of their associations' annual meetings, questioning or opposing certain policies and practices within their professions. The American Medical Association (June 2005), American Psychiatric Association (May 2006), and the American Psychological Association (August 2007) all passed resolutions addressing human rights. Most recently, the American Anthropological Association has formed an Ad Hoc Commission for Anthropology's Engagement with the Security and Intelligence Communities, which includes examination of anthropologists' association with the military's efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan.

To commemorate International Human Rights Day, the AAAS Science and Human Rights Program hosted a symposium to explore the implications of international human rights principles and standards for scientists and the conduct of science.  Three scientists and a prominent member of the human rights community spoke about why scientists and scientific societies should be concerned about international human rights norms, and the responsibilities that follow.

(site updated 12/26/2007)