The human genome as common heritage of mankind

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In this timely study, Jean Buttigieg argues for the recognition of the human genome as a common heritage of mankind within international law. Following UNESCO's 1997 declaration and a 2000 joint statement by US President Bill Clinton and British Prime Minister Tony Blair advocating for free access to genomic data, Buttigieg highlights the lack of genuine efforts to establish this principle legally. The study aims to reintroduce the philosophical and political implications of the common heritage concept, as originally intended by Arvid Pardo in 1967, and apply them to the human genome. A significant challenge arises from the current patent system, which prioritizes individual rights over community rights, thereby obstructing access to essential genomic data and hindering medical advancements. Buttigieg also critiques the biotechnology debate for its lack of philosophical analysis, emphasizing that the true essence of the human genome lies in metaphysics rather than biology. This work addresses the metaphysical nature of the human genome and explores the philosophical issues surrounding biotechnology, filling a critical gap in the literature on this important topic.