Protect scientists' rights
Wherever scientists' freedom or basic rights are threatened as a result of their work, CFRS may take action to help rectify the situation, particularly if its intervention could provide effective relief.
Sources of information
The members of CFRS, ICSU Members and the International Human Rights Network of Academies and Scholarly Societies may refer cases to CFRS. CFRS may also take up cases publicised in the media, after verification of the reported facts.
Criteria for case selection
- The primary concern of CFRS is with (i) threats to the free movement, association, ex- pression or communication of scientists in the course of their scientific work, or improper restrictions on their access to data, information, and other resources required for research, and (ii) victimisation of persons because of their practice of science in all its aspects. In such cases, CFRS will take such action as it considers appropriate and likely to yield effective results. This may include requests to the ICSU Member in the affected country for information, and to ICSU Members working in the field in which the affected individual has been active as a scientist, urging supportive intervention. CFRS may also approach the relevant national authorities. As appropriate, CFRS will seek the involvement of the ICSU Executive Board or organisations within the ambit of ICSU's work (International Social Science Council, UNESCO, etc.) and may suggest specific action. Especially in generic cases, CFRS will consider making its position public, for example through letters to science journals or Advisory Notes to the ICSU Membership;
- In cases falling outside its primary concern, CFRS may, on a case-by-case basis, and with a view to promoting ICSU's Principle of the Universality of Science, intervene where it could be of assistance. In such cases, CFRS may consult with the ICSU National Member in the affected country, intercede with the appropriate authorities, or bring the matter to public attention, as necessary;
- Cases involving political, commercial or other activities of scientists, unrelated to their practice of science, will not normally be appropriate for CFRS action.
Collaboration with bodies outside ICSU
In advancing the Principle of the Universality of Science, CFRS seeks to collaborate with bodies outside ICSU whose work promotes freedom and responsibility in the conduct of science.
document outlining CFRS's role in providing assistance for individual scientists
