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Spotlight Series: 70th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

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To celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948, the Committee on Human Rights (CHR) shared stories of scientists, engineers, and health professionals who have used their expertise to promote and protect human rights. On various internationally-recognized days over the course of the year, the CHR focused on different rights enshrined in the UDHR.

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World Science Day for Peace and Development

Program News

The Human Rights Data Analysis Group (HRDAG) has used its expertise in statistical analysis to estimate the number of disappearances and deaths during the Sri Lankan civil war. Through this work, HRDAG has helped provide closure to the families left behind and provided information essential for accountability.

Nov 10, 2019

International Day for the Eradication of Poverty

Program News

National Academy of Medicine member Prof. Lesley Regan has worked to improve access to family planning and maternal health care services for women around the world, the denial of which often perpetuates impoverished conditions. These efforts promote the right of everyone to benefit from scientific advancement.

Oct 17, 2019

International Day of Peace

Program News

National Academy of Sciences member James Fearon's research on civil conflict has had far-reaching implications for the protection and promotion of human rights in conflict settings.

Sep 21, 2019

World Humanitarian Day

Program News

Volunteer efforts with Engineers Without Borders USA have helped create and sustain job opportunities in refugee communities, aiding the exercise of their right to work.

Aug 19, 2019

Nelson Mandela Day

Program News

This day honors the legacy of the late President of South Africa and recognizes the nearly three decades that he spent in prison during apartheid. In accordance with the Nelson Mandela Rules (revised Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners), adopted by the UN in 2015, this internationally recognized day is to be used to promote humane conditions of imprisonment and to raise awareness of prisoners as a continuous part of society.

Jul 18, 2019

World Refugee Day

Program News

In varying ways, colleagues have used their professional skills to help address challenges faced by displaced populations.

Jun 20, 2019

International Day of Families

Program News

Dr. Mary-Claire King's groundbreaking development of mitochondrial DNA sequencing to identify biological connections has led to the reunification of more than 100 families separated in Argentina in the mid-1970s and 1980s.

May 15, 2019

World Malaria Day

Program News

The work of Dr. Peter Agre, Director of the Johns Hopkins Malaria Research Institute and former Chair of the CHR, to develop innovative malaria treatments, as well as his efforts to ensure that such treatments are accessible to the communities most in need, has helped support the realization of the right to health.

Apr 25, 2019

International Day for the Right to Truth

Program News

In an interview with forensic anthropologist Mercedes Doretti, the Director of North and Central American Programs and Board Member of the Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team (EAAF), Doretti described her work and that of her colleagues to collect and analyze physical evidence of human rights abuses (which often includes identifying the remains of victims of grave human rights abuses). They regularly present their findings to tribunals and legal mechanisms around the world to secure justice for those whose rights to life and personal security have been violated.

Mar 24, 2019

World Day of Social Justice

Program News

As former Chair of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study Legacy Committee, CHR member Vanessa Northington Gamble's shared her efforts to promote the right to equality and non-discrimination.

Feb 20, 2019

Human Rights Day

Feature Story

To assess the effects of Venezuela's ongoing health crisis, CHR member Dr. Chris Beyrer organized and supported a team of public health and medical professionals from Johns Hopkins University that traveled to Venezuela's borders. Joining researchers from Human Rights Watch (HRW), the team found outbreaks of previously well-controlled diseases, a stark increase in infant mortality rates, and severe malnutrition. For more information, read this interactive report on the team's findings and Dr. Beyrer's comment in The Lancet on infant mortality increases in Venezuela.

Dec 10, 2018

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