HUMAN RIGHTS, BIG DATA AND TECHNOLOGY PROJECT

Participation in a Project Led by the University of Essex’s Human Rights Centre

Completed in December 2021

The Geneva Academy was a partner of the Human Rights, Big Data and Technology Project (HRBDT) housed at the University of Essex’s Human Rights Centre.

This project aimed at mapping and analysing the human rights challenges and opportunities presented by the use of big data and associated technologies and at developing good practice guidelines as well as rights-based regulatory responses and remedies to ensure effective human rights enjoyment and protection.

OUTPUT

Focus on Regulation of State and Non-State Actors in the Use of Big Data Technology

Our participation in the project focused, via academic research, on issues related to the regulation of state and non-state actors in the use of big data and technology. We notably analysed whether existing regulatory frameworks and mechanisms – like the European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) – are apt to regulate big data and associated technologies while ensuring human rights protection. Drawing from existing regulation theories, the research intends to highlight alternative regulatory approaches that could be used to inform or update current legislation.

Support to Outreach Activities in Geneva

We also provided support for the project’s outreach activities in Geneva with UN human rights mechanisms, diplomats, academics and practitioners via public events, expert meetings and consultations.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

News

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A new working paper, 'AI Decoded: Key Concepts and Applications of Artificial Intelligence for Human Rights and SDG Monitoring', has been published by the Geneva Human Rights Platform.

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GHRP EU News News

Bridging Geneva and Europe: advancing human rights in the digital age

2 June 2025

The Geneva Human Rights Platform has taken its work on strengthening the international human rights system to the heart of European policymaking.

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Local Government Event

Enhancing National Reporting and Implementation of Human Rights through Coordinated Engagement at the Local and Regional Levels: The Role of NMIRFs

23 July 2025, 10:00-17:00

This seminar explores how national mechanisms for implementation, reporting and follow-up can better integrate the capacities, data, and experiences of local and regional governments in advancing human rights implementation and reporting.

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AI for Good Event Event

AI for human rights: Smarter, faster, fairer monitoring

8 July 2025, 14:00-16:00

The event, as part of the AI for Good Summit 2025 will explore how AI tools can support faster data analysis, help uncover patterns in large datasets, and expand the reach of human rights work.

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A general view of participants during of the 33nd ordinary session of the Human Rights Council. Training

The Universal Periodic Review and the UN Human Rights System: Raising the Bar on Accountability

10-14 November 2025

This training course will explore the origin and evolution of the Universal Periodic Review (UPR) and its functioning in Geneva and will focus on the nature of implementation of the UPR recommendations at the national level.

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Universal Declaration of Human Rights Booklet Training

The International Human Rights Standards and System: Monitoring and Implementation Strategies at the National Level

7-11 July 2025

This training course will delve into the means and mechanisms through which national actors can best coordinate their human rights monitoring and implementation efforts, enabling them to strategically navigate the UN human rights system and use the various mechanisms available in their day-to-day work.

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A destroyed camp for internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Khor Abeche, South Darfur, Project

Understanding the Relationship between Conflict, Security and the Human Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment

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This project will develop guidance to inform security, human rights and environmental debates on the linkages between environmental rights and conflict, and how their better management can serve as a tool in conflict prevention, resilience and early warning.

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Madagascar, Miarinarivo district. Women transplanting rice. Project

The Rights of Peasants

Started in May 2008

After having provided academic support to the negotiation of the UN Declaration for ten years, this research project focuses on the implementation of the UN Declaration on the rights of peasants and other people working in rural areas.

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Cover of the publication Publication

Briefing N° 25: Localizing Multilateralism

published on March 2025

Domenico Zipoli, Ludovica Chiussi Curzi, Kamelia Kemileva

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Cover page of the working paper Publication

AI Decoded: Key Concepts and Applications of Artificial Intelligence for Human Rights and SDG Monitoring

published on January 2025

Milica Mirkovic, Jennifer Victoria Scurrell

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