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Bioethics
Stem cell research, genetic testing, cloning: progress in the life sciences is giving human beings new power to improve our health and control the development processes of all living species. Concerns about the social, cultural, legal and ethical implications of such progress have led to one of the most significant debates of the past century. A new word has been coined to encompass these concerns: bioethics.


International Bioethics Committee (IBC):Intergovernmental Bioethics Committee (IGBC):

Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights
The General Conference, at its 33rd session, adopted by acclamation the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights, on 19 October 2005.

Brochure of the Declaration
English | Español | Français | Русский | العربية | 中文

Also available in Hebrew | Português | Norsk


(available upon request from the Division of Ethics of Science and Technology)

> Text of the Declaration
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More about Bioethics

Since the 1970s, UNESCO's involvement in the field of bioethics has reflected the international dimensions of this debate. Founded on the belief that there can be no peace without the intellectual and moral solidarity of humankind, UNESCO tries to involve all countries in this international and transcultural discussion.

The UNESCO Bioethics Programme was created in 1993. Bioethics belongs to ethics of science and technology, one of the five principal priorities of UNESCO. The first major success of the Bioethics Programme occurred in 1997, when the General Conference adopted the Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights, the only international instrument in the field of bioethics, which was endorsed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1998.

UNESCO's ethical watch mandate justifies itself day by day and is becoming increasingly necessary in light of recent scientific developments and their far-reaching implications for society. With its standard-setting work and unique multicultural and multidisciplinary intellectual forums, the Programme has confirmed UNESCO’s leading role in bioethics at the international level.

The Bioethics Programme is part of UNESCO’s Division of the Ethics of Science and Technology in the Social and Human Sciences Sector. It is primarily responsible for the Secretariat of two advisory bodies: the International Bioethics Committee (IBC), composed of 36 independent experts, and the Intergovernmental Bioethics Committee (IGBC), composed of representatives of 36 Member States. These Committees cooperate to produce advice, recommendations and proposals that each submits to the Director-General for consideration by UNESCO’s governing bodies.

The Programme develops four main action areas:
    News


  Just published in Russian: Bioethics and Media. Recommendations for Journalists.   Just published in Russian: Bioethics and Media. Recommendations for Journalists.
08-04-2008 (UNESCO Office in Moscow) - This book consists of a set of recommendations, which can be used by the journalist community as guidelines for covering issues related to bioethics in mass media.  More...

 

  Just published in Russian : New brochure on Bioethics   Just published in Russian : New brochure on Bioethics
20-02-2008 () - This book addresses issues from the general bioethical principles of medical practice in modern world to its special norms in medical assistance in emergency situations.  More...

 




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Guide No. 2: Bioethics Committees at Work: Procedures and Policies Guide No. 2: Bioethics Committees at Work: Procedures and Policies
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Social Justice in Healthcare: Bioethics and Human Rights Social Justice in Healthcare: Bioethics and Human Rights
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