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Committee on Scientific Freedom and Human Rights

Chartered in 1979, the Committee is one of the oldest bodies dedicated to addressing violations of and threats to the scientific freedom and human rights of statisticians and other scientists throughout the world. It also supports responsible, statistically informed work on human rights, including questions concerning the use of data in the protection—or limitation—of human rights.

History

The Committee began as an ad hoc body within the American Statistical Association in response to growing concern about threats to scientific integrity and the treatment of members of the statistical community abroad. Over time, its mission broadened. In 1985, the Committee’s charter was expanded to include not only advocacy on behalf of scientists facing repression, but also assistance to responsible organizations on statistical questions related to human rights data and the misuse of data to restrict human rights.

Since then, the Committee’s work has ranged from letters of inquiry and public support for researchers under pressure to the encouragement of rigorous quantitative work in the human rights field. Its history reflects a commitment to professional independence, methodological integrity, and the principle that statistical work can serve the public good.

1979

Committee established

ASA established the Committee as an ad hoc body, largely in response to the disappearance of Argentine statistician Carlos Noriega and the controversy surrounding the planned ISI meeting in Buenos Aires.

Highlighted Cases

Letter

Greece

The Committee wrote to the President of the Hellenic Republic to express concern about charges against Andreas Georgiou, to defend the professional independence of official statisticians, and to urge a fair and transparent process.

European Commission

The Committee also contacted leaders of the European Commission seeking clarity about how the Commission handled the revised 2009 Greek debt figures and whether a formal evaluation of those numbers would be issued.

History, 1979–2015

A historical overview of the Committee’s work from its founding in 1979 through 2015, tracing major interventions, advocacy efforts, and the evolution of its mission.