About OHCHR
The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (UN Human Rights) is the leading UN entity on human rights. We represent the world's commitment to the promotion and protection of the full range of human rights and freedoms set out in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.Activities by OHCHR
Expert seminar on artificial intelligence and the right to privacy
Global AndorraAustraliaAustriaCroatiaGermanyHungaryItalyMauritiusPolandRussian FederationSloveniaSwitzerlandUnited KingdomUruguayA one-day expert seminar to discuss how artificial intelligence, including profiling, automated decision-making and machine-learning technologies, may affect the enjoyment of the right to privacy without proper safeguards. It also articulated safeguards and processes that States, businesses, and international organisations are required to put in place.
Activity Type Policy/Regulatory GuidanceAwareness/AdvocacyHuman Rights Council report of the Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights on the non-take-up of rights in the context of social protection (A/HRC/50/38)
GlobalThis report notes that while automation of benefits can reduce administrative complexity for potential recipients, it also carries risks of exclusion for the most vulnerable groups, such as people unregistered at birth, undocumented migrants, individuals without a fixed address, or informal workers.
Activity Type Research/Reports/AssessmentsDevelopment of UN system-wide guidance on human rights diligence in the context of digital technology use
GlobalThis guidance, developed by OHCHR at the request of the Secretary-General, supports all UN entities in implementing and strengthening human rights due diligence policies for the use of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Activity Type Policy/Regulatory GuidanceReport on peaceful protests and new technologies
GlobalThis thematic report highlights how new digital technologies and AI-based surveillance, such as facial recognition, impact human rights in the context of peaceful assemblies. It calls for a moratorium on the use of facial recognition in this context.
Activity Type Research/Reports/AssessmentsPolicy/Regulatory Guidance