Academic Freedom in International Human Rights Law

This article first studies the meaning as well as the elements and characteristics of the academic freedom and elaborates the human rights foundation of this fundamental freedom. The article then refers to the state obligations to both refrain from any interference and provide protection needed in academic institutions. The article also reviews international documents and certain state constitutions which deal with academic freedom. This article finally examines the scope and also the limits of academic freedom should be enjoyed by the faculty members and students in academic environment as well as the topics they deal with in their research. The article concludes that there should be a bounding document in the international human rights law to recognize this important freedom and to require states to provide more serious protection and mechanisms for academic freedom