12 March 2018, 13:30-15:00
Event
Microsoft NYC
This side-event at the UN Human Rights Council will discuss the applicability of existing human rights instruments to activities in cyber-space, which affect the enjoyment of human rights, and the need to continuously reassess the application of the existing legal framework in the light of new technological developments. This implies the recognition of additional implications and challenges to the promotion and protection of existing rights including a responsibility of private actors, to protect the basic needs and interests of individuals in cyber-space.
The panel will focus, firstly, on questions regarding the direct and indirect regulatory responsibility of the State to respect, promote and protect, in the cyber-space, recognized human rights such as freedom of expression and of information, and the right to privacy, as well as the right to be free from discrimination, and the right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress. Secondly, the panel will consider the role and responsibilities of multiple stakeholders, including states, inter-governmental organizations, IT companies, and on-line communities.
Finally, it will also address the consideration of updated interpretations of existing rights and notably the possible need to reflect how existing human rights could yield new obligations when applied to modern digital technology, such as the ‘right to access ’ cyber-space as consequence of the right to enjoy the benefits of scientific progress (pursuant to Article 15 (b) ICESC) and to operate therein free from discrimination (pursuant to Article 2 ICESC), the entitlement to exercise control over information and data pertaining to one-self (information self-determination and data portability), including the ‘right’ to data protection, the so-called ‘right to be forgotten ’ or the capability to exercise control over digital life after physical death (pursuant to the right to privacy Article 17 ICCPR / 12 UDHR), or – when following the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights - a responsibility of ICT companies to enforce their terms of service in the spirit of due process
This side event is co-organized with the Permanent Missions of Israel and Germany to the UN in Geneva and the Cyber Law Program at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem’s Cyber Security Research Center
A sandwich lunch will be served before the event.
A valid UN badge is necessary to enter the Palais des Nations. Persons not accredited will have to register via the electronic platform. Select the appropriate event in the drop-down list (12 March - 13:30 (Room XXV) - PM of Israel - Meeting on 37th Session) and upload the flyer on the platform.
Adobe
Our new research brief examines the complex relationship between digital technologies and their misuse in surveillance, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns.
Adobe
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.
Adobe Stock
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.
Adobe Stock
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.
ICRC
Participants in this training course will gain practical insights into UN human rights mechanisms and their role in environmental protection and learn about how to address the interplay between international human rights and environmental law, and explore environmental litigation paths.
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.
UN Photo / Jean-Marc Ferré
A series of events aimed at discussing contemporary issues and challenges related to the promotion and protection of human rights in Geneva and beyond.
CCPR Centre
The Geneva Human Rights Platform collaborates with a series of actors to reflect on the implementation of international human rights norms at the local level and propose solutions to improve uptake of recommendations and decisions taken by Geneva-based human rights bodies at the local level.
Geneva Academy
Geneva Academy