The International Human Rights Network of
Academies and Scholarly Societies
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Participants
  • Casework
  • Biennial Meetings
  • Contact
  • 13th Biennial Meeting

Executive Committee 


​The International Human Rights Network of Academies and Scholarly Societies (H.R. Network) is governed by an executive committee composed of academy members from 12 countries.  The Committee on Human Rights of the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine in Washington, D.C. serves as the H.R. Network'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 H.R. Network.  See here for more information about H.R. Network participants
.

Statements

​
​​The Executive Committee makes occasional public statements on issues related to the mandate of the H.R. Network and it encourages members to support and publicize them.  
H.R. Network 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​


Picture
​​​
​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 H.R. Network 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 H.R. Network'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 H.R. Network discuss their academies' involvement in matters of human rights concern.

“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)
Executive Committee of the International Human Rights Network of Academies & Scholarly Societies Issues Statement Concerning Widespread Rights Abuses in Nicaragua 
June 18, 2018 ​

The Executive Committee of the H.R. Network issued a statement on June 18, 2018 concerning widespread rights abuses in Nicaragua. The Executive Committee calls upon Nicaraguan authorities to guarantee the exercise of the rights to freedom of expression and assembly and to put an end to the violence, arbitrary detention, threats and harassment used to inhibit individuals from expressing their views on social issues.  The Executive Committee also requests that Nicaraguan authorities take immediate steps to prevent interference with access to health care by individuals in need, as well as interference with cause-of-death documentation. The Executive Committee urges all individuals in the country to abstain from attacks on research and higher educational institutions in the country, to allow teachers and students to pursue their work in safety. Finally, the Executive Committee asks that Nicaraguan authorities provide for an independent, transparent investigation into human rights abuses in the country and hold accountable those found to be responsible. 
See full statement here. ​

13th Biennial Meeting of the Network

The H.R. Network was created in May 1993 at the U.S. National Academy of Sciences in Washington, D.C. and has met approximately every two years since then. Each meeting is hosted by a different member academy of the H.R. Network and more than 80 national academies and scholarly societies have sent representatives to at least one meeting.
​

The 13th Biennial Meeting of the H.R. Network was hosted by the Korean Academy of Science and Technology from October 25-27, 2018 in Seoul, Korea. 

Our next biennial meeting will be held in 2020. More information about the location and dates will be announced soon.
“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. 
Picture
Picture
MAIN: (202) 334-3043                              HRNETWORK@NAS.EDU

  • Home
  • About Us
  • Participants
  • Casework
  • Biennial Meetings
  • Contact
  • 13th Biennial Meeting