AAAS Science and Human Rights Program Statistical Mechanics Conference Rutgers University May 12, 2008

AAAS Science and Human Rights Program  Established in 1977  Defend persecuted colleagues  Bring scientific knowledge and methodologies to human rights work  Provide technical assistance to human rights groups …

 Forensic and genetic sciences (1980s)  Statistical and information management techniques (1990s)  Electronic encryption technologies (1990s)  A “violations approach” to monitoring economic, social, and cultural rights (1990s)

International Bill of Human Rights International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966)  Elections  Information  Torture  Liberty  Association International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966)  Work  Water  Health  Environment  Benefits of Scientific Progress Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)

Cold War post-Cold War  WhatCPR CPR and ESCR  WhereAbroadAt home and abroad  WhoLawyers All kinds of expertise – scientists are vital

AAAS Science and Human Rights Program Preparing for a fourth decade …  Furthers AAAS mission  Builds on AAAS strengths  Demonstrable impact  Non-duplicative  Responds to needs of human rights field

AAAS Science and Human Rights Program (2007) I.Scientists for Human Rights II.Science for Human Rights III.Human Rights and the Conduct of Science IV.Science as a Human Right

I. Scientists for Human Rights Scientific Associations  AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition Individual Scientists  “On-call” Scientists  Other: Fellows, Research Fellowships, and Prize

AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition Areas of Activity 1.Welfare of Scientists 2.Science Ethics and Human Rights 3.Service to the Community of Scientific Associations 4. Service to the Human Rights Community 5.Information Materials

AAAS Science and Human Rights Coalition Area of Activity I: Welfare of Scientists  Protect and defend scientists under threat  Improve the effectiveness of scientific associations in responding to cases  Expand the scientific community’s awareness and appreciation of the importance of acting on behalf of colleagues

II.Science for Human Rights Geospatial Technologies Wireless Communication Technologies Network Mapping Budget Analysis

III.Human Rights and the Conduct of Science Will bring together distinguished scientists, human rights leaders, and the public to consider the human rights implications of new technologies, scientific discoveries, and science policy and practice.

IV.Science as a Human Right “States shall recognize the right of everyone … to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications.” -- International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights, Article 15 “To advance science and innovation throughout the world for the benefit of all people” -- AAAS Mission

Article 15, International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights States shall: 1.recognize the right of everyone to (b) enjoy the benefits of scientific progress and its applications; 2. conserve, develop and diffuse science and culture; 3. respect the freedom indispensable for scientific research and creative activity; and 4. recognize the benefits of international contacts and co- operation in the scientific and cultural fields.

The Four Program Areas … I.Scientists for Human Rights II. Science for Human Rights III.Human Rights and the Conduct of Science IV. Science as a Human Right