Summerise the recommendaTIONS FROM UNESCO:

Question

1 Recommendations from the UNESCO IBC
The UNESCO identifies nine characteristics of “good governance”: accountability,
transparency, responsiveness, adherence to the rule of law, stability, equity, inclusiveness, empowerment, and broad-based participation.55 In its 2015 report, the
UNESCO International Bioethics Committee (IBC) updated its considerations on
human genome editing and human rights. It identifies the five ethical principles
that guide its reflection on the technology: Respect for autonomy and privacy;
justice and solidarity; understanding of illness and health; cultural, social, and
economic context of science; responsibility towards future generations. Based
on these principles, the IBC calls for a moratorium on germline genome editing until the safety and efficacy of CRISPR have been assessed; until then, states shall
contribute towards a global standard with the UNESCO Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights as a basis and in collaboration with the scientific community, the media and educators as well as economic actors. Furthermore, the IBC suggests that the UNESCO Declarations be revised in terms of their application in this new context (UNESCO IBC 2015).

Answer 1

The UNESCO International Bioethics Committee (IBC) provides several important recommendations regarding human genome editing and its ethical implications. Key points include:

1. Characteristics of Good Governance: The IBC outlines nine essential traits for effective governance: accountability, transparency, responsiveness, adherence to the rule of law, stability, equity, inclusiveness, empowerment, and broad-based participation.

2. Ethical Principles: The IBC identifies five guiding ethical principles for genome editing:

   • Respect for autonomy and privacy.
   • Justice and solidarity.
   • Understanding of illness and health.
   • Attention to the cultural, social, and economic contexts of science.
   • Responsibility towards future generations.

3. Call for a Moratorium: The IBC advocates for a moratorium on germline genome editing until there is a thorough assessment of the safety and efficacy of CRISPR technology.

4. Global Standards and Collaboration: It emphasizes the need for states to work toward establishing global standards for genome editing, using the UNESCO Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights as a foundation. Collaboration with the scientific community, media, educators, and economic stakeholders is encouraged.

5. Revision of UNESCO Declarations: The IBC also recommends revising existing UNESCO Declarations to ensure their relevance in the context of advancements in genome editing technology.

These recommendations seek to promote ethically responsible governance of human genome editing, ensuring safety and equity while respecting human rights and cultural diversity.