On Nov. 11, 1997, the Universal Declaration on the Human Genome and Human Rights was adopted unanimously and by acclamation at UNESCO’s 29th General Conference.

The human genome is the complete set of genetic material of the human being. UNESCO regards the human genome as the “heritage of humanity”. UNESCO believes it should be protected and passed on to future generations and that advances in science need to be considered in the light of human rights.

The following year, the United Nations General Assembly endorsed the Declaration.