Promoting and Advancing Human Rights in Global AI Ecosystems
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping societies, influencing everything from decision-making processes to international relations. While its transformative power holds immense potential, AI also raises critical concerns about human autonomy, privacy, discrimination, and accountability. The governance of AI must align with human rights principles, yet the current regulatory landscape remains fragmented and inconsistent.
I am proud to have contributed to a newly published white paper, Promoting and Advancing Human Rights in Global AI Ecosystems: The Need for a Comprehensive Framework under International Law. This paper, developed with input from over 50 global experts, highlights the urgent need for a unified international framework—one that safeguards human rights across the AI value chain.
At the heart of the discussion is the Munich Convention on AI, Data, and Human Rights, a proposed international treaty aimed at addressing the gaps in AI governance. The convention seeks to:
- Establish global safeguards against AI-driven human rights violations, particularly for marginalized communities.
- Recognize collective rights in the context of AI, including protections for indigenous knowledge and cultural heritage.
- Ensure individuals have the right to opt out of AI-driven decisions, seek explanations, and access remedies when harmed.
The white paper argues that the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) should take the lead in shaping a legally binding convention on AI governance, much like its previous work on the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in critical areas—such as healthcare, security, and digital economies—the time for international action is now.
You can read the full white paper here.