Exploring Interoperability and AI in `DHRTTDs`

The Geneva Human Rights Platform, OHCHR and HURIDOCS co-organised the third Expert Roundtable on Digital Human Rights Tracking Tools and Databases (DHRTTDs), themed "Interoperability through Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning", once more bringing together over 30 experts, including developers, AI specialists, policymakers and human rights practitioners.

Building on the two previous roundtables, participants explored frameworks for standardised data formats, common protocols and sustainable funding models to enhance information-sharing across tools while preserving each tool’s unique functionalities. A significant focus was placed on the dual role of AI and machine learning: their potential for streamlining data processing, automating tasks and generating predictive insights on one hand, the ethical and practical challenges of algorithmic bias, transparency, privacy and data security on the other.

With fellow trustee Edith Woischin also participating, Timo Franz moderated the panel “AI and ML in Human Rights and SDG Monitoring: Ethical and Practical Challenges” where the panelists highlighted the need for a human rights-based approach, interdisciplinary and diverse teams, careful implementation and accountability through transparency.

The event concluded with actionable next steps including mapping interoperability potential across tools, establishing a dialogue space for AI and human rights experts, and forging knowledge exchange partnerships with universities.

Links

• Geneva Human Rights Platform: archives.geneva-academy.ch/geneva-humanrights-platform.html [updated]
• Expert Roundtable recap: archives.geneva-academy.ch/news/detail/743-expert-… [updated]
• Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR): ohchr.org
• HURIDOCS: huridocs.org/

Image by Geneva Academy