Briefing on "Human Genome and Human Rights"
Organised by Mrs Iulia-Antoanella Motoc, Expert of the Sub-Commission

August 7, 2003

Madame Motoc started the meeting by briefly summarising her report on Human Rights and Bioethics, which she presented at the plenary session on Monday, the 4th of July. This report articulates four points: the human genome as common heritage of humanity, human genetic manipulation and human rights, discrimination and the human genome, and intellectual property rights and the human genome.

Mrs Poncini, of International Federation of University Women, expressed her preoccupation that the research on stem cells and its effects could possibly affect the reproductive rights of women, thus augmenting discrimination towards them. Madame Motoc explained that a code of conduct is to be established for private enterprises controlling these researches. The Sub-Commission has a mandate to contribute to the bioethics committee of UNESCO, so as to analyse legal incidences of the genome on Human Rights. Of course, this kind of work relies on the contribution of scientists.

The problem of discrimination against indigenous people has been discussed as well. Biotechnological companies are carrying out special researches about biodiversity, which involves collecting and studying blood samples from indigenous communities. However, profit from these researches is at the expense of these communities. Madame Motoc said that a jurisdiction is being settled in order to punish scientists who do not obtain the consent of the people, from whom they are taking samples. It is important to develop a legal framework about the human genome, and the issue of the money, in that respect, has been tackled.

Madame Motoc then reminded the meeting of some of the conclusions and recommendations of her reports. A commission about fundamental bioethics should be established. All parties should be engaged "through voluntary structures while at the same time imposing a coercive regime." The General Assembly should continue the bioethics debates and settle the issue of cloning at its convention. Public and international opinion should be informed and sensitised. Therefore, the scientists should improve the access to information through scientific vulgarisation. The committee of UNESCO has an educational role, allowing women, indigenous people, and underprivileged people to participate.

By: Melvina ARAMAN

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