Human rights, equity and ethics

Overview

The Gujarat Declaration underscores the importance of safeguarding the rights of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs) and ensuring equitable access to traditional medicine. Traditional medicine is not only a healthcare resource but also a part of the cultural identity and heritage of many communities. However, issues around intellectual property (IP), fair compensation, and the ethical use of traditional knowledge remain unresolved in many contexts. There is an urgent need for frameworks that protect intellectual property, prevent the exploitation of traditional knowledge, and ensure that communities benefit fairly from the global use of their practices. The declaration advocates for ethical collaboration between traditional practitioners and researchers, ensuring that traditional knowledge is respected and that the rights of IPLCs are upheld.

Significance to TMGL

TMGL actively supports efforts to promote rights, equity, and ethics within the realm of traditional medicine. By offering access to policy documents, research, and best practices, TMGL ensures that ethical standards are central to the use and integration of traditional medicine. In recognizing the importance of intellectual property protection, TMGL introduces Vault, a secure digital repository aimed at defensive IP protection for traditional knowledge. The TMGL Vault facilitates technical cooperation with countries to implement blockchain solutions for safeguarding the intellectual property of traditional knowledge, ensuring fair compensation for IPLCs and protecting against unauthorized use.

TMGL’s Contribution

Through TMGL Vault, TMGL enables countries to protect the intellectual property of their traditional knowledge using blockchain technology, ensuring that IPLCs retain control over their heritage. TMGL advocates for equitable benefit-sharing models, supporting legal and technical frameworks that uphold the rights of traditional practitioners and their communities. By providing a platform for ethical collaboration between researchers, policymakers, and communities, TMGL fosters a space where equity and rights protection are prioritized in the global health dialogue. This ensures that traditional medicine is used in ways that are culturally respectful, sustainable, and ethically sound.