UN rights council adopts Bangladesh-led resolution on AI and human rights

The United Nations Human Rights Council has adopted by consensus a Bangladesh-led resolution on artificial intelligence (AI) and human rights, the first such resolution at the council, according to Bangladesh’s Permanent Mission in Geneva.

The resolution, titled “Implications of Artificial Intelligence for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights”, was adopted in Geneva on Tuesday, the mission said in a press release received on Wednesday.

Bangladesh advanced the initiative alongside fellow core group members Algeria, Austria, Egypt, Greece, Guyana, Kuwait and Nepal.

The resolution calls for a balanced, forward-looking and human rights-centred approach to AI. It recognises the technology’s potential to drive development and innovation while addressing its implications for human rights.

It also emphasises expanding access to the benefits of emerging technologies, particularly for developing countries, through international cooperation, technical assistance, knowledge-sharing, access to technology and capacity-building.

Introducing the draft, Bangladesh said AI is transforming societies and institutions and stressed that its development and use must remain consistent with international human rights law, with human dignity and human agency at the centre.

The resolution places particular emphasis on development, inclusion and the meaningful participation of developing countries in shaping the digital transformation.

Under the guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh’s Permanent Mission in Geneva led the drafting process and first presented the text to the council in August on behalf of the core group.

Bangladesh and its partners subsequently engaged with delegations and stakeholders through open and inclusive consultations and negotiations to build consensus on the resolution.

The mission described the adoption as an important milestone in the council’s consideration of the evolving relationship between AI and human rights.

It said the outcome reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to helping developing countries strengthen their technological capacities and share equitably in the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence.