The IUPsyS adheres to the principle of the free circulation of scientists as articulated by the policy of the International Council of Science (ICSU). This means that for all international congresses, it is understood that the host country will admit participants, whether or not the country of the participant has diplomatic relations with the host country.
The freedom of access to scientific congresses is monitored closely by ICSU.
The 2011 General Assembly of ICSU approved a revised wording of the Statute (Article 5) which relates to the Principle of Universality (Freedom and Responsibility) of Science. The new wording is as follows:
The free and responsible practice of science is fundamental to scientific advancement and human and environmental well-being. Such practice, in all its aspects, requires freedom of movement, association, expression and communication for scientists, as well as equitable access to data, information, and other resources for research. It requires responsibility at all levels to carry out and communicate scientific work with integrity, respect, fairness, trustworthiness, and transparency, recognising its benefits and possible harms.
In advocating the free and responsible practice of science, ICSU promotes equitable opportunities for access to science and its benefits, and opposes discrimination based on such factors as ethnic origin, religion, citizenship, language, political or other opinion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, or age.
Link to ICSU Statute (Article 5)
IUPsyS Policy, Adopted July, 2012:
IUPsyS Statutes, Article 3
(i) The Union adheres to the International Council for Science (ICSU) and recognizes it as providing a coordinating and representative body for the international organization of science.
(ii) The Union adheres to the ICSU principle of the Universality of Science embodying free and responsible practice of science, freedom of movement, association, expression and communication for scientists, as well as equitable opportunities for access to science and its benefits, access to data, information and research material; and actively upholds this principle, by opposing any discrimination on the basis of such factors as ethnic origin, religion, citizenship, language, political stance, gender, sex, sexual orientation, or age.