WHO Expert Advisory Committee on Developing Global Standards for Governance and Oversight of Human Genome Editing: report of the first online consultation
15 January–7 February 2020
Overview
Background
In December 2018, the World Health Organization (WHO) established a global, multidisciplinary expert advisory committee to examine the scientific, ethical, social and legal challenges associated with human genome editing (both somatic and germline). The Expert Advisory Committee on Developing Global Standards for Governance and Oversight of Human Genome Editing includes members from Africa, the Americas, South-East Asia, Europe, the Eastern Mediterranean and the Western Pacific.
The Committee has been tasked with advising and making recommendations on appropriate institutional, national, regional and global governance mechanisms for human genome editing. During the course of its work, the Committee will review literature on current human genome editing research and its applications, consider existing proposals for governance and relevant ongoing initiatives, and solicit information about societal attitudes towards the different uses of this technology. The Committee will explore how best to promote transparent and trustworthy practices and how to ensure appropriate assessments are performed prior to any relevant work being undertaken.
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