Editorial

Abstract

Editorial

Inter- and supranational law knows many examples of specific biotech regulations. The Convention on Biological Diversity with its so-called Biosafety Protocol deals with the access to and use of genetic resources as well as security issues like labelling of living modified organisms. The Council of Europe's Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine, which is also completed by several Additional Protocols, aims at setting basic standards for biomedical research, especially in the field of patient's rights. The UNESCO contributed (legally non binding) Declarations on the Human Genome and Human Genetic Data. The European Union and the Andean Community established legal frameworks for selected areas of biomedicine and gene technology. However, despite the need for uniform standards in this field, international law does not form a coherent set of norms. According to Catherine Rhodes, who supports effective regulation on the international level, four key roles for the regulation of biotechnology can be identified: promotion of benefits; identification, assessment and management of risks; prevention or minimisation of negative impacts; and promotion of capacity building.