General ethical principles
Where research involves experimentation on human subjects, every effort should be made to maximize the benefits to the subject (beneficence), and the subjects should suffer no harm (non-maleficence).
The principle of respect implies that participation in the research should be completely voluntary and based on informed consent.
Where research involves collection of data on individuals, privacy should be protected by ensuring confidentiality.
Respect to the community means respecting its values and having its approval for the research.
The principle of justice implies that participation in the research should correlate with expected benefits. No population group should carry an undue burden of research for the benefit of another group.
The Regional Office established an Ethics Review Committee in 2007. The major responsibility of the Committee is to review all research proposals funded and/or technically supported by the Regional Office and ensure that the rights and welfare of human participants are protected.
Related links
A practical guide for health researchers [pdf 193Mb]| Arabic [pdf 167Mb]
Global guidance framework for the responsible use of the life sciences
