The Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights – contributions to the Brazilian State

Abstract

This article records the historical contribution to bioethical reflection brought by the Universal Declaration on Bioethics and Human Rights (DUBDH), adopted in 2005 by UNESCO. Focusing on aspects of vulnerability and social responsibility, guidelines for Brazil are hereto highlighted and interpreted. It is a first hand account of meetings that preceded the
consolidation of the Declaration and its promulgation. The article concludes by showing that the DUBDH brought valuable contribution to the field of scientific and technological research by stating that although they should enjoy creative freedom, they must guide by ethical principles that clearly respect human dignity, human rights and fundamental freedoms, with special attention to the most vulnerable sectors of society.