Issue in focus: the impact of intellectual property regimes on the enjoyment of right to science and culture

"The Special Rapporteur has decided to devote her next thematic report to the Human Rights Council (March 2015) to the issue of the impact of intellectual property regimes on the enjoyment of right to science and culture, as enshrined in particular in article 15 of the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights. More precisely, she intends to address the impact of intellectual property regimes on the right of people to enjoy and access cultural heritage; access by everyone without discrimination to the benefits of science and its applications, including scientific knowledge, technology, and opportunities to contribute to the scientific enterprise; the freedom indispensable for scientific research, including access of researchers to scientific information and advances, as well as collaborative work; artistic freedoms and the right of people to access, contribute to and enjoy the arts; and the rights of indigenous peoples and local communities. The Special Rapporteur also wishes to address the challenges regarding the implementation of the right of everyone to benefit from the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from any scientific, literary or artistic production of which he or she is the author. She is interested in learning more about the concrete obstacles met by authors, creators and inventors, such as scientists and artists, to enjoy this right Open consultation, 6 June 2014, with links to the attached NV. If you wish to attend but do not have a badge, please contact the Secretariat at srculturalrights@ohchr.org."