Source: ARTICLE 19

ARTICLE 19 reports that over 100 civil society organizations have called on the UN’s High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence to ensure that human rights and international law are at the core of all AI-related policymaking and governance. This appeal was made in light of the upcoming UN-hosted Global Dialogue on AI in New York on 11-12 April 2024. The open letter submitted by civil society actors expresses concern that the existing UN framework lacks sufficient clarity and commitment to rights-based principles. The organizations emphasize the importance of centering global AI governance on principles of transparency, accountability, equality, and inclusivity. They also stress that AI development and deployment must avoid reinforcing existing social and economic inequalities. The UN’s global AI dialogue and advisory body are intended to inform a roadmap for international AI governance.

This push aims to counterbalance efforts by more powerful countries or corporate interests and ensure the voices of communities affected by AI technologies are represented. The letter argues for mandatory human rights due diligence, especially in high-risk sectors like policing and healthcare.