Amina Bouayach emphasizes AI's impact on human rights at Doha conference

In a high-level address delivered remotely from Rabat, Amina Bouayach urged for artificial intelligence systems designed to safeguard human dignity and advance both humanity and rights. The president of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) and head of Morocco’s National Human Rights Council (CNDH) participated in the opening session of the international conference in Doha, focusing on the critical intersection of technological advancement and human rights protection.

The two-day event, titled “Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights: Opportunities, Risks, and Visions for a Better Future,” is organized by Qatar’s National Human Rights Committee in collaboration with various international, regional, and local institutions. The conference seeks to explore AI’s dual nature as both a catalyst for progress and a potential challenge to human rights and democratic principles through collective discussions and specialized working groups.

“International human rights law, which I believe is one of our most important shared achievements, is not an obstacle to innovation,” Bouayach asserted. “It is a global framework that can ensure access and benefit for all.” She articulated that this framework, developed through global consensus, serves as a foundation for equitable technological advancement.

Technology reshapes our world

Bouayach contended that digital technologies and artificial intelligence are fundamentally reshaping our world. “The digital space, advanced technologies, and artificial intelligence systems are reshaping our world and deeply impacting our lives,” she remarked. “It is a field that sparks discussions and concerns, confirming that today’s innovation is the fuel for smart services with quality and effectiveness.”

“Hardly a day goes by without a remarkable innovation,” Bouayach observed. This rapid pace of development requires thoughtful consideration of its implications for society and human rights. She warned about the growing disparities in technological access between countries. “The opportunities are vast, but so are the disparities,” she cautioned.

Bouayach insisted that innovation is no longer optional. “Innovation is no longer a choice today, but a need and an urgent necessity,” she declared. “Respecting rights and freedoms is fundamental and non-negotiable.” This dual imperative necessitates balancing technological advancement with an unwavering commitment to human rights principles.

Rights institutions take action

Bouayach clarified that national human rights institutions monitor the impact of AI on rights. “We receive and address complaints related to potential infringements of rights and advocate for guarantees and fairness,” she explained. She called on stakeholders to examine AI’s effects on human rights, including technology-facilitated gender-based violence and privacy violations.

She highlighted a recent International Labour Organization report revealing concerning gender disparities in AI’s impact. “Artificial intelligence threatens women’s jobs more than men’s,” Bouayach pointed out. Biases often built into AI systems can disproportionately target vulnerable groups, especially women and girls.

“Systems and algorithms can threaten freedom of expression and privacy,” she added. “They can make disinformation easier, threatening access to information and democratic processes.” These concerns are not theoretical; they are the lived reality for many vulnerable individuals, demanding urgent attention from human rights defenders worldwide.

The Moroccan delegation to the conference includes former minister and human rights activist Mohamed Aujjar, who chaired a session on “Deploying AI for Human Rights.” The conference aims to facilitate meaningful dialogue among experts and stakeholders to address the complex challenges at the intersection of artificial intelligence and human rights protection.