Event information

10 June 2024, 12:30-14:00
Register start 3 June 2024
Register end 10 June 2024

Downloads

Flyer >

The Emergence of Open-Source Information and Intelligence: What Challenges and Opportunities for UN Special Procedures?

Human Rights Conversations

Hands and Data Hands and Data

The widespread use of technologies characterises today’s reality. Mobile phones empower individuals to document human rights violations instantaneously and allow the dissemination of their materials and collected evidence across digital platforms with unprecedented speed. At the same time, publicly available images from drones or satellites can also provide an accurate record of what is happening on the ground. Amidst this scenario, Open-Source Information (OSI) and Intelligence (OSINT) emerge as helpful means for United Nations Special Procedures to expedite data collection in order to successfully fulfil their mandate, representing an avenue that could undoubtedly enhance their efficiency and impact. Nevertheless, within this promising landscape lie thorns of disparity and accessibility, challenges to information authenticity, and the spectres of disinformation and misinformation.

As OSI and OSINT present a unique opportunity to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of UN Special Procedures, the numerous complexities involved should be identified to articulate solutions in order to maximise the possible impact that OSI and OSINT can have in assisting UN independent human rights experts in pursuing their mandates’ objectives.

This Human Rights Conversation aims to explore the potential of Open-Source Information and Intelligence in advancing the work of UN Special Procedures, identifying and analysing challenges and risks, as well as assessing how they could be mitigated in order to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of UN Special Procedures.

Moderator

  • Felix Kirchmeier, Executive Director, Geneva Human Rights Platform

Panelists

  • Clément Voule, Former Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association
  • Marija Ristic, Manager, Digital Verification Corps, Amnesty International
  • Léo Martine, Senior Geospatial Analyst, Human Rights Watch
  • Francesca Restifo, Senior Human Rights Lawyer - Representative to the United Nations Geneva, International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute

About Human Rights Conversations

Human Rights Conversations are a series of events, hosted by the Geneva Human Rights Platform, aimed at discussing contemporary issues and challenges related to the promotion and protection of human rights in Geneva and beyond.

 

Disclaimer

This event may be filmed, recorded and/or photographed on behalf of the Geneva Academy. The Geneva Academy may use these recordings and photographs for internal and external communications for information, teaching and research purposes, and/or promotion and illustration through its various media channels (website, social media, newsletters, annual report, etc.).

By participating in this event, you are agreeing to the possibility of appearing in the aforementioned films, recordings and photographs, and their subsequent use by the Geneva Academy.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

disops News

Impact of digital disinformation unpacked in new research brief series

9 April 2025

Our new series of Research Briefs examine the impact of digital disinformation and potential solutions for its regulation

Read more

MENA Training GHRP News

Strengthening MENA Engagement with UN Human Rights Mechanisms: Second Edition of our Tailored Training

24 July 2025

Participants from six countries across the Middle East and North Africa region joined our customized training on the Geneva-based United Nations human rights mechanisms

Read more

Digital Globe Event

Information Management & Machine Learning for Human Rights: Digital Transformation in the Public Sector - Workshop at the 2025 LATSIS Symposium

12 September 2025, 13:30-15:30

This interactive, two-part workshop will explore how modern data-science tools – including machine learning and AI – can be leveraged to support the United Nations in promoting and protecting human rights.

Read more

Special Rapporteur Sign Event

Mandates in Dialogue: Strengthening Collaboration Across UN Mechanisms and Academic Institutions

4 September 2025, 18:00-19:30

This Human Rights Conversation will explore how cross-mandate cooperation can be enhanced, and how academia can play a more strategic and aligned role in supporting mandate holders.

Read more

Training

Human Rights and the Environment: Introducing Legal Regimes and Key Issues

1-8 September 2025

Participants in this training course will be introduced to the major international and regional instruments for the promotion of human rights, as well as international environmental law and its implementation and enforcement mechanisms.

Read more

Neutrotechology Project

Neurotechnology and Human Rights

Started in August 2023

This project addresses the human rights implications stemming from the development of neurotechnology for commercial, non-therapeutic ends, and is based on a partnership between the Geneva Academy, the Geneva University Neurocentre and the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee. 

Read more

Online folders Project

Digital Human Rights Tracking Tools and Databases

Started in March 2023

This initiative wishes to contribute to better and more coordinated implementation, reporting and follow-up of international human rights recommendations through a global study on digital human rights tracking tools and databases.

Read more

Cover of the 2023 Geneva Academy Annual Report Publication

Annual Report 2024

published on July 2025

Read more