Executive Committee
The International Human Rights Network of Academies and Scholarly Societies (IHRN) is governed by an executive committee composed of members from 12 academies around the world. The Committee on Human Rights of the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine in Washington, D.C. serves as the IHRN's secretariat. Participants
National academies and scholarly societies that have human rights committees or an interest in human rights issues are invited to participate in the IHRN. See here for more information about IHRN participants. |
Statements
The Executive Committee makes occasional public statements on issues related to the mandate of the IHRN and it encourages members to support and publicize them. IHRN Executive Committee statements. Resources
Learn more about the ways in which national academies around the world are integrating human rights activities into their work. |
In the Spotlight
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Call for a Human Rights-Based Approach to COVID-19
The Executive Committee of the International Human Rights Network of Academies and Scholarly Societies has issued a public statement calling for a human rights-based approach to COVID-19. The full text of the statement can be found here. |
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Human Rights and Scientific Education
A September 2019 Symposium of European National Academies
The eighth in a series of symposia devoted to the theme of human rights and science was held on September 11, 2019 in Paris, France on the topic of the right to education. It sought to demonstrate the importance of human rights education for a wide audience, including secondary and post-secondary students, to fight against discrimination of all kinds. The event was hosted by the French Academy of Sciences and co-organized with the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, which manages the symposium series. Both academies are active participants of the IHRN and have brought key issues and lessons learned raised during the symposia series to the attention of other IHRN-participating academies.
Beginning in 2010 in Berlin, the Leopoldina’s Human Rights Committee has organized regular symposia, in cooperation with national academies, that include representatives of European academies and the wider European scientific community. These events provide an opportunity to debate topical human rights and ethics-related questions related to the work of national academies, and to discuss cases of scientists and scholars subjected to human rights abuse.
For more information on the latest symposium, please visit the French Academy of Sciences’ website.
A September 2019 Symposium of European National Academies
The eighth in a series of symposia devoted to the theme of human rights and science was held on September 11, 2019 in Paris, France on the topic of the right to education. It sought to demonstrate the importance of human rights education for a wide audience, including secondary and post-secondary students, to fight against discrimination of all kinds. The event was hosted by the French Academy of Sciences and co-organized with the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, which manages the symposium series. Both academies are active participants of the IHRN and have brought key issues and lessons learned raised during the symposia series to the attention of other IHRN-participating academies.
Beginning in 2010 in Berlin, the Leopoldina’s Human Rights Committee has organized regular symposia, in cooperation with national academies, that include representatives of European academies and the wider European scientific community. These events provide an opportunity to debate topical human rights and ethics-related questions related to the work of national academies, and to discuss cases of scientists and scholars subjected to human rights abuse.
For more information on the latest symposium, please visit the French Academy of Sciences’ website.
“Many members ... affiliated with the International Human Rights Network, got to know about my case, became concerned, and actively intervened in order to obtain—in a civilized way—improvements in my confinement. For all of those humanitarian actions, I send, from the depths of my heart, my warmest thanks to all of the people who … did everything possible (and impossible) so that my release could become a reality.” (Héctor Maseda Gutiérrez, March 29, 2011)
Engaging with Human Rights in the National Academy Context: A Resource Guide
In recognition of the unique and important role national academies play in promoting human rights, the IHRN has developed the resource guide, Engaging with Human Rights in the National Academy Context.
Around the world, national academies and their members have made outstanding contributions to the improvement of the human condition. Their knowledge and expertise is essential in addressing pressing domestic and international concerns related to science and technology. Engagement with internationally recognized human rights norms complements this vital work and helps to shape responsible solutions to new global challenges.
The IHRN's guide highlights the creative, and varying, ways in which national academies around the world are integrating human rights activities into their work. In particular, it examines:
We hope the guide inspires academies wishing to become more involved with human rights issues.
For more information on the themes addressed in the resource guide, view the accompanying webinar, in which several academy members participating in the IHRN discuss their academies' involvement in matters of human rights concern.
Engaging with Human Rights in the National Academy Context: A Resource Guide
In recognition of the unique and important role national academies play in promoting human rights, the IHRN has developed the resource guide, Engaging with Human Rights in the National Academy Context.
Around the world, national academies and their members have made outstanding contributions to the improvement of the human condition. Their knowledge and expertise is essential in addressing pressing domestic and international concerns related to science and technology. Engagement with internationally recognized human rights norms complements this vital work and helps to shape responsible solutions to new global challenges.
The IHRN's guide highlights the creative, and varying, ways in which national academies around the world are integrating human rights activities into their work. In particular, it examines:
- Appeals Concerning Human Rights Violations
- Assistance Following Conflict and Human Rights Abuse
- Human Rights Dialogue and Research
We hope the guide inspires academies wishing to become more involved with human rights issues.
For more information on the themes addressed in the resource guide, view the accompanying webinar, in which several academy members participating in the IHRN discuss their academies' involvement in matters of human rights concern.
“No words are enough to express my recognition to the efforts of the members of your Institutions and those of the International Network on my behalf…I am convinced that I owe my release in a great extent to all of you.” (Oscar Espinosa Chepe, March 22, 2005)
Contact Us
To contact the secretariat of the International Human Rights Network of Academies and Scholarly Societies, please send an email to hrnetwork@nas.edu or call us at the telephone number below.
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@IHRN4rights MAIN: (202) 334-3043 HRNETWORK@NAS.EDU