Source: UNESCO

UNESCO has introduced a comprehensive set of guidelines aimed at protecting human rights and judicial independence as court systems worldwide increasingly adopt algorithmic justice tools. These guidelines were launched during a high-level event organized in partnership with the Permanent Mission of Brazil to the UN in late December 2024. The document stresses that while artificial intelligence can improve judicial efficiency, it must serve as a support mechanism rather than a replacement for human reasoning and discretion.

The guidelines highlight the risk of "black-box" algorithms that lack transparency and may perpetuate historical biases found in legal datasets. UNESCO advocates for rigorous human oversight and the "right to a human judge," ensuring that every individual can understand and contest an AI-assisted judicial outcome. Additionally, the initiative addresses the influence of private tech providers on public justice systems, calling for transparency in public-private partnerships. By establishing these global standards, UNESCO aims to empower judges and prosecutors to navigate the ethical complexities of AI while upholding the core principles of the rule of law and the right to a fair trial.