Criminal Protection Of Human Genome "Human Gene Editing As A Model"

 بقلم: سحر فؤاد مجيد

الملخص

الحماية القانونية للجينوم البشري تعد قضية أخلاقية تتعلق بمستقبل الوجود البشري، بعد الكشف عن الخريطة الجينية البشرية، ازدادت التجارب العلمية والبحوث المتعلقة بالجينوم البشري، وخاصة التطبيقات السلبية للهندسة الوراثية التي تنتهك حقوق الإنسان الاساسية، لا سيما الحق في كرامة الانسان. أن هذه الممارسات تعد تحديات حقيقية لوجود وتنوع أجيال الحاضر والمستقبل. لذلك ، فإن وجود قواعد قانونية على المستويين الوطني والدولي ضرورة مطلقة لحظر هذه التهديدات وتحديد المسؤولية المدنية والجنائية لمن ينتهك هذه القواعد.

Abstract

Lawful protection of the human gene conceded a moral concern regarding the future of existence human. After the discovery of the human genetic map, scientific experiments and research related to the human gene increased, negative applications of genetic engineering in particular that violate essential human rights,

the

right to human dignity to be specific. These practices represent actual challenges to the existence and diversity of current and future generations. Therefore, the presence of legal rules at the domestic and global levels is an absolute necessity to prohibit these threats and determine civil and criminal accountability for those who infringe any laws related to this issue.

Introduction

Human gene editing is forbidden by rulings, regulations and

guidelines in most states. Nevertheless, the first criminal case

involving “genome-edited” children in China was condemned in

2018. Gene editing on healthy human embryos may lead to

irreversible mutations and serious consequences for the inheritance

of future generations, while their long-term safety is unpredictable. 1

Purpose: A complete set of laws and regulations should be

formulated along with strategies to punish gene editing acts and

preclude similar adverse measures in the future. As well as, binding

mechanisms between different countries should be built and

implemented. The international and regional collaborative network

must be strengthened in order to improve global registration and

monitoring of human gene editing technologies and research.

Research Objectives: The importance of the subject lies in its

seriousness, its novelty and the controversy that has arisen around

the technology of modifying the human genome. There is a fear that

this technology will not be limited to treat and prevent diseases,

specifically after the use of CRISPR-Cas 9 technology in 2018 in

China, and the announcement of the birth of the first two genetically

modified daughters in the world. In addition, the current study will

help to identify the legislative position of the countries regarding this

technology.2

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Research Methods: The present study relied on the descriptive

analytical comparative approach by studying legal materials in

various countries.

Research Question: What is the human genome, its forms and

components? What is the crime of human gene editing? How did

countries confront the technology of human gene editing?

Therefore, a direct action must be taken to use this technology

without violating laws, regulations and instructions in a way that

does not affect humankind liberty and dignity.

The research question will be answered through the following

outline:

The First Topic: The Concept of Human Genome. The Second

Topic: The Nature of the Human Genome. The Third Topic: Forms

of Assault on Human Genome.