Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the relationship between the CHR and the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and National Academy of Medicine?

  The CHR is composed entirely of members of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and National Academy of Medicine. Academy members are distinguished scientists, engineers, physicians, and researchers from the United States and many other countries. 

• What are the CHR’s Main Activities?

  The CHR:

  • advocates in support of scientists, engineers, and health professionals suffering serious human rights abuses worldwide

  • provides assistance to professional colleagues, e.g. by linking them to organizations that provide pro bono legal support and fellowship opportunities

  • raises awareness concerning areas at the intersection of human rights and science, engineering, and medicine 

• How Does the CHR Engage with Other Human Rights Bodies?

  The CHR is in regular contact with other organizations working to promote respect for, and protection of, universally recognized human rights. CHR staff members liaise with such organizations to check facts, obtain regional/country background information, and ensure that colleagues under threat receive needed assistance.  Where the Committee learns of cases involving human rights abuse that fall outside its mandate, it refers such cases to partner organizations. The CHR also regularly hosts events for academy members that highlight the work of other bodies working at the intersection of science/engineering/health and human rights.

• What is the CHR’s Role in the International Human Rights Network of Academies and Scholarly Societies (IHRN)?

  In its role as IHRN Secretariat, the CHR shares information on urgent cases of human rights abuse with IHRN-participating academies; assists the Network’s Executive Committee in preparing public statements on issues of human rights concern; and organizes the IHRN’s biennial meetings, together with host countries.

  In its role as IHRN Secretariat, the CHR 1) alerts national academies to urgent cases of human rights abuse and equips academies with the tools to provide support in such cases, 2) shares information concerning the human rights-related activities of IHRN-participating academies, 3) assists the Network’s Executive Committee in preparing public statements on issues of human rights concern, 4) organizes the IHRN’s biennial meetings, together with host countries; and, 5) develops resources designed to inform and inspire academies interested in becoming more involved in human rights issues. 

• How Can Members of the National Academies Support the CHR’s Work?

  Members of the National Academies can sign up to become CHR Correspondents. The CHR keeps Correspondents informed of the Committee’s events and activities, and provides Correspondents with information concerning professional colleagues under threat worldwide. Through an online system, Correspondents can send letters of appeal, and add their names to private petitions initiated by the Committee, in support of colleagues. 

  National Academy members often notify the CHR of colleagues suffering rights abuses, and the CHR regularly consults with National Academy members concerning matters of human rights concern related to science, engineering, and medicine.

• How Can Members of the Public Engage with the CHR?

  The CHR invites members of the public to view the CHR’s collection of resources, useful for exploring pressing issues at the intersection of human rights and science, engineering, and medicine. These resources include information on events open to the public and a range of volunteer opportunities relevant to scientists, engineers, and health professionals around the world. The CHR’s Take Action resource describes additional opportunities for individuals to promote human rights in science, engineering, and medicine.

  Members of the public can also subscribe to the CHR’s mailing list to receive updates, including a monthly newsletter, about public events, news articles, and activities relevant to science, engineering, medicine, and human rights.

• Is the CHR affiliated with the U.S. Government?

  No. The Committee is a non-governmental, apolitical body composed of members of the U.S. National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, and National Academy of Medicine, which are themselves non-governmental institutions. The Committee neither seeks nor accepts U.S. government funding, or funding from any government. It also does not represent the U.S. government in any fashion.