The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights is inviting comments on its Draft Study on Human and Peoples’ Rights and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Robotics, and Other New and Emerging Technologies in Africa.
The study was initiated following the adoption of Resolution 473 during the Commission’s 31st Extraordinary Session in 2021, which, recognising both the opportunities and risks posed by technologies such as AI and robotics, mandates the conduct of a comprehensive study on their impact on human and peoples’ rights as protected under the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights and other relevant human rights instruments.
The study was led by its Focal Point, Hon Commissioner Solomon Ayele Dersso and Hon Commissioner Ourveena Geereesha Topsy-Sonoo. Its development was informed by consultations and expert input from various stakeholders throughout the process. The Centre for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria, is honoured to have provided technical support to the Commission in the development of the study, including the coordination and organisation of the inception meeting and the expert meetings.
As the Commission moves towards finalising the study, it invites input from all interested parties, including civil society organisations, academic experts, state actors, and private sector stakeholders. This is an opportunity to contribute to a significant continental assessment that explores the implications of AI and other emerging technologies on human and peoples’ rights. It is envisaged that the findings and recommendations of the study will support future policy and rights-based approaches to the development and deployment of these technologies.
Submissions are invited until 8 May 2025 and can be sent to:
and
Or by courier to:
African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
31 Bijilo Annex Layout, Kombo North District, Western Region
P.O. Box 673, Banjul, The Gambia