Executive Committee
The International Human Rights Network of Academies and Scholarly Societies (IHRN) is governed by an executive committee composed of members from 12 academies around the world. The Committee on Human Rights of the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine in Washington, D.C. serves as the IHRN's secretariat.
Statements
The Executive Committee makes occasional public statements on issues related to the mandate of the IHRN and it encourages members to support and publicize them.
Participants
National academies and scholarly societies that have human rights committees or an interest in human rights issues are invited to participate in the IHRN. Learn more about IHRN participants.
Resources
Learn more about the ways in which national academies around the world are integrating human rights activities into their work. To receive news and information from the IHRN Secretariat and IHRN-Participating Academies, join the IHRN mailing list.
In the Spotlight
Launch of IHRN Bulletin
The IHRN Secretariat has introduced a new biannual human rights bulletin containing updates on the IHRN Secretariat’s activities, human rights resources, and highlights of IHRN participating academies’ human rights events, publications, and announcements. Read the first edition of the bulletin.
To receive future editions of this bulletin and other news from the IHRN, subscribe to the IHRN mailing list.
14th Biennial Meeting of the IHRN
From June 6-8, 2023, the IHRN held its 14th biennial in Pretoria, South Africa. The meeting, co-hosted with the Academy of Science of South Africa (ASSAf), provided an opportunity for 35 participants, representing 25 national academies, and members of the South African scientific community to discuss global concerns related to science and human rights.
In addition to a private workshop for national academy representatives, the 3-day meeting included two public-facing events that addressed the Role of National Academies and Universities in Promoting Human Rights and Enhancing Equality.
Executive Committee Statement on the Crisis in Israel and Gaza
The IHRN’s Executive Committee has issued a public statement expressing its deep concern for the people of Israel and Gaza during the ongoing crisis and condemning all attacks on health care providers and facilities.
Committee on Human Rights (CHR) of the U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Annual Report 2023
This publication highlights the work of the CHR in 2022, including assistance provided to at-risk colleagues, advocacy initiatives, and events seeking to raise awareness of pressing global challenges at the intersection of human rights and science, engineering, and technology.
In its role as the secretariat to the IHRN, this report also highlights the efforts of the IHRN to draw attention to assaults against academic freedom throughout the world in 2022 and join with other national academies in speaking out against such abuses.
Human Rights & COVID-19 Repository
Through their research and other activities, many national academies are examining the connections between science, engineering, health and human rights and working to promote rights-based approaches to the COVID-19 pandemic.
To highlight this important work, the IHRN has also launched a repository with selected academy activities independently produced in this area.
“No words are enough to express my recognition to the efforts of the members of your Institutions and those of the International Network on my behalf…I am convinced that I owe my release in a great extent to all of you.”
Contact Us
To contact the secretariat of the International Human Rights Network of Academies and Scholarly Societies, please send an email to this via this contact form or call us at the telephone number below.
