Event information

6 June 2023, 10:00-11:30
Register start 16 May 2023
Register end 6 June 2023

Downloads

Flyer >

Neurotechnology and Human Rights

Human Rights Conversations

Neurotechnology and Neuromodulation - Conceptual Illustration Neurotechnology and Neuromodulation - Conceptual Illustration

‘Neurotechnologies’ are defined as any electronic device, method or process conceived to access the human brain’s neuronal activity including the capacity to record, interfere or modify brain activity. These applications allow for a two-way connection (brain-computer interfaces) between the individual’s central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and an electronic system.

As with any technical innovation, neurotechnologies come with both promises and dangers for the realization of human rights. The more innovative and ground-breaking a technology is, the higher the stakes. While the application of advances in neuroscience shows great potential in the medical domain, thus also towards the realization of the right to health, the scope of the potential negative impacts on an array of other rights is quite unknown. This quest is guiding the current study by the Advisory Committee (AC) of the United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC), mandated in HRC Resolution A/HRC/RES/51/3 on Neurotechnology and human rights.

In this resolution, the HRC notes the call in the UN Secretary-General’s 2021 report ‘Our Common Agenda’ to ‘prevent harms in the digital or technology spaces, including in neurotechnology’. Yet, this preventive approach is difficult to define, in particular as the development of neuroscience is no longer solely a prerogative of public interest and thus is not confined to public institutions and funding. On the contrary, due to its great economic potential, research and development are permeating the private domain. National examples of regulation are rare, but one notable case is the Chilean legislation on ‘neural rights’.

Regulatory approaches will also have to consider numerous legal, ethical and social aspects linked to technical developments. Those include equity and access to technology, as well as ownership of data and potential discriminatory or exploitative use of this technology, which may even put in question the very right to life, liberty and security of the person, to freedom of thought, or the right not to be subjected to arbitrary interference with his or her mental privacy.

The AC is now calling for input via a questionnaire to states and other stakeholders to gather information from existing approaches to this topic with the aim of identifying gaps in national and international legal frameworks and assessing the impact of the technology used on human rights.

This Human Rights Conversation, done in collaboration with the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA), aims at raising awareness of the work of the HRC and the AC, and contributing to the call for input, open until 2 July 2023. Panelists will discuss advances in technology and its national and international regulation, as well as the broader questions around calls for introducing new rights or a moratorium on technology development.

Moderator

  • Felix Kirchmeier, Executive Director, Geneva Human Rights Platform

Panelists

  • H.E. Claudia Fuentes, Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Chile to the UN in Geneva
  • Dr Milena Costas Trascasas, Rapporteur and Chairperson, UN Human Rights Council’s Advisory Committee
  • Dr Gérard Escher, Senior Advisor to the GESDA Board
  • Dr Jonathan Andrew, Independent Researcher

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.

Video

Neurotechnology and Human Rights

Panelists discussed the challenges that neurotechnologies raise for the enjoyment of human rights and the current work of the United Nations Human Rights Council Advisory Committee on this issue.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

TransMonEE Database and Dashboard Logo News

In Highlight: TransMonEE Database and Dashboard

25 April 2024

Via its DHRTTDs Directory, the Geneva Human Rights Platform provides a comprehensive list and description of such key tools and databases. But how to navigate them? Which tool should be used for what, and by whom? This interview helps us understand better the specificities of the April highlight of the directory: TransMonEE Database and Dashboard

Read more

Group photo of participants to the pilot review News

Successful Final UN Human Rights Treaty Body Pilot Took Place in Fiji

18 December 2023

In November, our Geneva Human Rights Platform – in partnership with the Pacific Community and the Commonwealth Secretariat – conducted its third and final UN human rights treaty body follow-up review pilot in Nadi, Fiji.

Read more

AI Image of Military Person using a drone Event

Artificial Intelligence in Military Decision Making: Legal and Humanitarian Implications

14 May 2024, 18:30-19:45

Co-hosted by the ICRC and the Geneva Academy, at the ICRC headquarters in Geneva, this event aims to disseminate key findings on the use of artificial intelligence in military decision making.

Read more

KlimaSeniorinnen vs. Switzerland: Relevance for UN human rights mechanisms Event

KlimaSeniorinnen vs. Switzerland: Relevance for UN human rights mechanisms

15 May 2024, 12:30-14:00

Organized by the Geneva Human Rights Platform in co-operation with Center for International Environmental Law this event will explore the significance of this ruling by the European Court of Human Rights.

Read more

Garment workersto receive food from their factory during lunch time. This food is freely provided by their factory in order to ensure that workers eat healthy and hygienic food. Training

Business and Human Rights

2-6 September 2024

This training course will examine how the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights have been utilized to advance the concept of business respect for human rights throughout the UN system, the impact of the Guiding Principles on other international organizations, as well as the impact of standards and guidance developed by these different bodies.

Read more

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

Started in May 2023

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.

Read more

Project

Follow-up Review Pilot Series

Started in November 2021

Read more

Cover Page of Research Brief Publication

Unpacking the Climate Migration Extremism Nexus Mapping the Coping Strategies of Kenyan Pastorialists

published on April 2024

Erica Harper, Yosuke Nagai

Read more

Cover Page of Research Brief Publication

Unpacking the Burgeoning Challenge of Environmental Protection and the Right to Food in the Context of Armed Conflict

published on April 2024

Erica Harper, Junli Lim

Read more