Scientists and Human Rights
Leonard Rubenstein1 and Mona Younis2
On 10 December 1948, the world's governments made history when they adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and agreed to ensure its "universal and effective recognition and observance." Over the course of six decades, this declaration has generated both tremendous hope and a substantial body of law obliging governments to respect, protect, and fulfill the rights inherent to all human beings. Though reaffirmed at every turn, one lesson of the past 60 years is that governments' commitment to human rights is only as strong as the demands of their citizens. As respected members of society, scientists are vital to securing governments' adherence to human rights.
1Leonard Rubenstein is president of Physicians for Human Rights and a Randolph Jennings Senior Fellow at the United States Institute of Peace.
2Mona Younis is director of the Science and Human Rights Program of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
