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The Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights
1Fundacion para una cultura de paz, Velasquez 14, 28001 Madrid, Spain. fmayor@fund-culturadepaz.org
Comptes Rendus Biologies
|January 28, 2004
Summary
UNESCO has addressed genetics ethics since 1985, establishing the International Bioethics Committee in 1992. This led to the Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights, promoting dignity and legal harmonization.
Area of Science:
- Bioethics
- Genetics Law
- Human Rights
Background:
- UNESCO has engaged with ethical issues in genetics since 1985.
- The International Bioethics Committee was founded in 1992 to address these complex questions.
- A key initiative was drafting a global declaration on the human genome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish an international ethical framework for human genome research.
- To draft the Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights.
- To promote global harmonization of laws concerning genetics.
Main Methods:
- Establishing the International Bioethics Committee.
- Facilitating international collaboration and debate on bioethical issues.
- Drafting and advocating for the adoption of a universal declaration.
Main Results:
- The Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights was adopted by UNESCO in 1997 and the UN in 1998.
- The Declaration links the human genome to human dignity.
- It outlines rights for individuals involved in genome research.
Conclusions:
- The Declaration provides a legal framework for ethical debate and legal harmonization worldwide.
- It aims to foster beneficial advancements while upholding human dignity.
- This initiative supports ethical considerations in the evolving field of genetics.