I have the honor speak on behalf of the European Union and its 27 Member States, and the candidate countries, Albania, Montenegro and the Republic of Moldova, as well as Andorra and San Marino. 

In our polarizing world, the scientific freedom and the safety of scientists  are increasingly under pressure and need urgent protection. For that, critical voices should be able to share freely objective knowledge about our world.

Unfortunately, scientists are often not safe. The Free to Think 2023 documents 409 attacks on scholars, students, and their institutions in 66 countries and territories, from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023. 84 percent of women researchers have been victim of sexism during their careers.

We must maintain the awareness of the precarity of researchers who persistently face political persecution. EU stands firmly for the protection of scientists whose scientific work is in jeopardy due to conflicts and looks forward to the study on the situation of Ukrainian scientists, conducted by the “Science at Risk” on behalf of UNESCO.

The EU is a strong supporter of UNESCO’s programme on the Freedom and Safety of Scientists, like UNESCO’s work on safety of journalists and artists. In the Brussels Statement earlier this year, 27 ministers already committed to the protection of scientists in connection with the right to share in scientific advancement and its benefits. To materialize its support, the EU funds several projects on the Safety of Scientists, such as the Open and Universal Science OPUS-project, involving 18 partners. The EU also funds the INSPIRE Europe network to support researchers at risk.

To ensure results on the ground, UNESCO’s programme needs more support. The EU notes with satisfaction that the protection of scientists is fully included in the Preliminary Proposals for UNESCO’s future programme under focus area 5.2. But given the safety challenges scientists face, worsened by recent conflicts, this commitment should be reinforced. The EU therefore supports the Draft Decision calling upon UNESCO to upscale the programme and calling upon all Member States to strengthen their support by contributing financially, and by providing data and expertise. The EU further invites UNESCO to play a lead role in implementing the Pact for the Future and its commitment on intellectual autonomy, freedom and safety of scientists.

Sources:

• https://www.scholarsatrisk.org/resources/free-to-think-2023/
• https://www.inspireproject.eu/