Advancing and upholding a human rights-based approach to academic freedom: reflections on research findings in eight regions

Abstract

This policy brief builds on the research findings of qualitative and quantitative analyses undertaken, with a multidisciplinary approach along with the application of a human rights-based approach (HRBA) as common denominator, in eight regions (ie, Africa, Asia-Pacific, Central Asia, South Caucasus, Europe, Southeast Europe, Latin America, and Middle East and North Africa), in relation to key issues and case studies selected to investigate trends, challenges and impact in the promotion and protection of academic freedom as a fundamental human right. It provides an overview of selected issues, traditional and new threats, emerging trends in terms of responsibilities and protection mechanisms, impact on other human rights and the functioning and normative development of human rights institutions, and policy recommendations. These research findings shed light on a rights-based understanding of different scenarios and methodologies used to curtail academic freedom depending on various contexts in the world. On this basis, the policy brief elaborates further what a HRBA to academic freedom entails. It contributes to call for a stronger acknowledgement of the rights-based dimension of academic freedom, at all levels, to ensure its effective promotion, protection and realisation. It argues that under this approach academic freedom also serves as an enabling right for broader democratic participation and progress and an essential public good that generates benefits for the society. The aim is to provide thoughtful consideration and insight for stakeholders such as states, policymakers, higher education institutions and civil society, supporting that a HRBA is explicitly placed at the heart of the ongoing debate about academic freedom.