Ethics committee approval for academic research: is it a workable proposition in developing countries

ABSTRACT

This editorial aims to draw attention of journal editors and policy makers to a very pertinent question related to publishing. The mandatory requirement of ethics committee (EC) approval is a much needed regulation in light of serious human rights violations in past. However, it may not be always feasible for researchers to comply with this equirement. There is a need to develop some guidelines as to how such instances should be dealt with. This is not a regressive approach. The AP J Psychol Med is very much aware and concerned about the protection of the rights of study participants, and endorses the publication requirements of various organizations.