Topic: Privacy of Personal Genetic Information
Country: Cuba
Delegate Name: Dylan Davids
School: Royal Oak High School
Topic page: background guide and all position papers All Cuba position papers GLIMUN 2010 committees
The advancement of technology has created a plethora of problems that have the capacity to harm the safety and security of the world’s people. One of the looming threats stems from the potential insight that can be gained from studying a person’s genes, and applying them to various purposes.
The Republic of Cuba is concerned about how a person’s individual genetic information could be potentially exploited by corporations for profit-driven motives. Any resolution passed by this committee must ensure the protection of individuals from these large, corporate entities who could use genetic information to further subject individuals against what is truly best for their well-being. If a pharmaceutical company is able to determine that someone is at risk for disease and then uses that information to charge more for drugs that will protect them, then the rights of that person have been violated. This kind of exploitation demonstrates the failures of capitalistic societies to protect their peoples from the evils of profit.
However, genetic information has great potential to be a powerful tool when utilized correctly, with no intent of monetary profit. A pact between an individual and their government regarding personal genetic information can be fruitful for both parties. A government can use its resources to help a person find their ideal position in society, knowing what the strengths and weaknesses of the person. If a person is predisposed towards a specific illness, a government can ensure that they are not exposed to conditions that will raise the risk for that illness. Without the taint of money, shared genetic information is a great boon for nations.
Cuba realizes that a fine line exists between the exploitation of genetic information and the use of that information for benefit of the individual. This is why Cuba would like to a resolution that recognizes that there are malevolent forces wishing to use information, as well as benevolent ones. Cuba hopes that the committee can come to a conclusion that places the people first, and not corporations.
