Advancing Human Rights Through Science

Abstract

The launch of the AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition, held in Washington, DC, on 14 to 16 January, offered an opportunity for AAAS-affiliated scientific organizations to participate in bridging communities of scientists and human rights organizations. A shared goal of this coalition is to articulate the right to “share in scientific advancement and its benefits” ([1][1]). I believe that this launch offers a rare opportunity in higher education to enhance partnerships between academicians in the sciences and the arts and humanities to engage student learning at all levels. Mary Robinson, a human rights advocate and former president of Ireland, pointed out an example: Physicians for Human Rights investigated an outbreak of cholera in Zimbabwe and found that it was due to the centralization of the water system by the Zimbabwean government and the subsequent degradation due to lack of proper maintenance ([2][2]). ![Figure][3] The AAAS Science and Human Rights Program.CREDIT: AAAS SCIENCE AND HUMAN RIGHTS PROGRAM, SHR.AAAS.ORG AAAS has established a “scientists on call” program ([3][4]) to contribute to humanitarian efforts such as this. Imagine the engagement of an undergraduate student in a science teaching laboratory analyzing data from sub-Saharan Africa that could provide critical insight for a human rights effort, ranging from analysis of contaminated water to biological samples from a suspected incident of genocide. With appropriate regulatory compliance and faculty supervision, a grassroots “students on call” effort could ensue. Techniques such as polymerase chain reaction or water analysis that are commonplace in the developed world may not be feasible or attainable in regions in crisis in the developing world. Incorporation of human rights into both science and general education curricula could have a profound effect on higher education and, importantly, on K-12 education by engagement of future teachers. 1. 1.[↵][5]United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 27. 2. 2.[↵][6]1. C. Beyrer, 2. F. Donaghue , The Washington Post A15 (8 January 2009). 3. 3.[↵][7]AAAS Science and Human Rights Program, “On-Call” Scientists ( ). [1]: #ref-1 [2]: #ref-2 [3]: pending:yes [4]: #ref-3 [5]: #xref-ref-1-1 View reference 1. in text [6]: #xref-ref-2-1 View reference 2. in text [7]: #xref-ref-3-1 View reference 3. in text