Biotechnologies and International Human Rights (Studies in International Law) [Hardcover]

Francesco Francioni (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1841137030 | ISBN-13: 978-1841137032 | Publication Date: February 20, 2007

With its specific focus on human rights, this book follows and complements the previous volume Biotechnology and International Law (Hart, 2006). The book is the result of a collaborative effort with the purpose of discussing the extent to which current activities in the field of biotechnology can be regulated by existing international human rights principles and standards. It also discusses what gaps, if any, need to be identified and filled with new legislative initiatives. òInstruments such as the UNESCO declarations on the human genome (1997) and on bioethics and human rights (2005) have become part of customary international law. But, what is the relevance of these instruments with respect to traditional concepts of state responsibility and the functioning of domestic remedies against misuse of biotechnologies? The book analyzes what legislative initiatives are needed, and examines the pros and cons of a race toward the adoption of new ad hoc legislation in an area of such rapid technological development. The risks of normative and institutional fragmentation involved in the proliferation of different regulatory regimes are also analyzed. The various contributors ask what are the core human rights principles that define the boundaries of legitimate use of biotechnology? They also question what is the legal status of human genetic material and what are the implications of the definition of the human genome as 'common heritage of humanity' for the purpose of patenting of genetic inventions? These and other questions are the focus of a fascinating collection of essays which help to map this emerging field of inquiry.

Editorial Reviews

Review

important and useful collection of essaysthis volume makes a singular contribution towards...transformation of the conventional ways of doing jurisprudence and political theory.Upendra BaxiLaw and Politics Book ReviewVol 18, No 2Although, the book covers a number of diverse topics, it can be read either article by article or from cover to cover depending on the reader's interests...offers a valuable insight for newcomers to the biotech debate but also appeals to those well versed in the area as it offers a human rights approach to biotechnology in much greater depth than most other books on the market...it can be said that there is something for everyone in this book. It is a stimulating read which provides some guiding principle for further studies and research and can warmly be recommended to anyone interested in the subject.Amina AgovicSCRIPTed5:2, Aug 08the volume in general is highly valuable as an overview of debates on the interface between human rights and biotechnology. Also, the tables on diverse legislations and international instruments and the index included by the editors, are extremely helpful.Marcus DuwellNetherlands Research School for Practical Philosophy, Utrecht UniversityNetherlands Quarterly of Human Rights Vol. 27/3

About the Author

Francesco Francioni is Professor of International Law at the EUI, Florence and the University of Siena.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 401 pages
• Publisher: Hart Publishing (February 20, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1841137030
• ISBN-13: 978-1841137032
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #363,381 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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