Access to Knowledge: History, Human Rights, and Global Declarations
The movement for Access to Knowledge (A2K) represents a global effort to ensure that scientific research, cultural heritage, and technological innovations are available to all, regardless of geographic or economic barriers. By challenging traditional restrictions on information, A2K advocates seek to balance the rights of creators with the fundamental human right to benefit from scientific progress.
Key Facts
- The Berlin Declaration (2003) focused on open access to knowledge within the sciences and humanities.
- The Geneva Declaration (2004) called for a development agenda for the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
- Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights protects both the right to share in scientific advancement and the protection of authors' interests.
- A proposed A2K Treaty aims to facilitate knowledge transfer to developing nations and support open innovation.
The Evolution of Global A2K Declarations
The formalization of the A2K movement gained significant momentum in the early 2000s through a series of landmark declarations aimed at reforming academic publishing and intellectual property frameworks.
The Berlin Declaration
In 2003, the Berlin Declaration on Open Access to Knowledge in the Sciences and Humanities was established. This document serves as a cornerstone for the open access movement, outlining the goals for making academic research more accessible to the global community.
The Geneva Declaration and WIPO
By October 2004, the focus expanded to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) with the Geneva Declaration on the Future of the World Intellectual Property Organization. Initiated by Brazil and Argentina, this declaration called for a development-centric agenda and received support from hundreds of organizations, including the Free Software Foundation.
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The Push for an A2K Treaty
A primary proposal within the Geneva Declaration was the creation of a Treaty on Access to Knowledge and Technology. This proposal urged the Standing Committee on Patents and the Standing Committee on Copyright and Related Rights to gather input from the public and member countries. This effort led to the creation of a shared discussion platform via a dedicated mailing list and the eventual production of a draft A2K treaty. The treaty's goal is to secure the viability of open innovation systems and ease the transfer of critical knowledge to developing nations.
The Human Rights Debate
At the heart of the A2K movement is a legal and ethical debate centered on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, specifically Article 27.
Balancing Rights in Article 27
Article 27 attempts to balance two competing interests:
- The right of every individual to freely participate in cultural life, enjoy the arts, and share in scientific advancement and its benefits.
- The right of authors to the protection of the moral and material interests resulting from their scientific, literary, or artistic productions.
The Critique of Intellectual Property (IP) Provisions
A2K academics argue that current intellectual property laws—which govern the legal ownership of intangible creations—are out of balance with the spirit of Article 27. They contend that "material interests" should not be equated with current IP provisions, as these rights are often saleable and transferable, meaning they are not "inalienable."
Critics highlight that excessive IP protection can have life-or-death consequences. For example, delays in accessing second-generation vaccine technologies or oral rehydration therapy could potentially result in millions of preventable deaths. In the realm of culture, the concern is that protection often lasts longer than a human lifetime, severely limiting the public's right to access.
Summary of A2K Milestones
| Initiative | Year | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin Declaration | 2003 | Open access to sciences and humanities |
| Geneva Declaration | 2004 | WIPO development agenda and A2K treaty |
| Article 27 (UDHR) | N/A | Balance between scientific access and author interests |
| A2K Treaty (Draft) | Post-2004 | Knowledge transfer to developing nations |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main goal of the Berlin Declaration?
The Berlin Declaration aims to promote open access to knowledge within the sciences and humanities, reflecting the broader goals of the academic publishing movement.
How does the Geneva Declaration relate to WIPO?
The Geneva Declaration called for the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to adopt a development agenda, specifically advocating for a treaty that improves access to knowledge and technology.
What does Article 27 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights state?
It establishes that everyone has the right to participate in cultural life and share in scientific advancement, while also granting authors protection for the moral and material interests of their work.
Why do A2K theorists criticize current intellectual property laws?
They argue that current IP protections are too restrictive and out of balance with human rights, noting that long delays in accessing technology can lead to significant loss of life and limit cultural enjoyment.
What is the purpose of the proposed A2K treaty?
The proposed treaty is intended to facilitate the transfer of knowledge to developing nations and ensure that open innovation systems remain viable worldwide.