Genetics, data protection and non-discrimination: some reflections from an international human rights law perspective

As a result of progress in medical research genetic traits can increasingly be used as predictive factors and selection criteria. This calls into question the appropriateness, validity and legitimacy of genetic traits as (co-)determinants in decision-making processes. This paper confines itself to examining the implications of genetics on the right to privacy--notably data protection--and the right not to be discriminated against.