07 June 2023, Banjul, The Gambia - The Secretariat of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Secretariat) wishes to inform the general public that the Focal Point on the Study on human and peoples’ rights and artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and other new and emerging technologies in Africa of the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission) – Honorable Commissioner Solomon Ayele Dersso, will be convening an Inception Workshop and Experts’ Consultation on the said study from 8 to 9 June 2023, in Nairobi, Kenya.
The Inception Workshop, which is part of the promotion mandate of the Commission, is being organized within the framework of Article 45 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Charter) and is in furtherance of ACHPR/Res. 473 (EXT.OS/ XXXI) 2021 which identified the need to undertake a Study on human and peoples’ rights and artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and other new and emerging technologies in Africa.
The overall objective of Inception Workshop, is to start the process of conducting the Study on human and peoples’ rights and artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and other new and emerging technologies in Africa. Particularly, to define the scope, parameters and terms of reference of the project; and to outline the project implementation plan involving the drafting of the Study, prior to its submission for adoption by the Commission.
As part of this process, the inception Workshop is expected: -
1.To conduct a preliminary scoping analysis of the state of affairs and the consequences of AI and new technologies on the respect, protection and realization of human and peoples' rights on the African continent, including with particular reference to the relevant provisions of the African Charter, as well as the mandate and work of the African Commission;
2.To investigate other consequences of AI, robotics and other new and emerging technologies on the respect, protection and realization of human and peoples' rights in African continent, and identify the various thematic human rights issues that should be included in the Study;
3.To conceptualize the Study on human and peoples’ rights and AI, robotics and other new and emerging technologies in Africa; and
4.To define the scope of the Study, its terms of reference, methodology and implementation roadmap i.e., the steps towards finalizing the study and submission for adoption by the African Commission.
The Inception Meeting, which is organized with the technical support of the Centre for Human Rights, University of Pretoria (CHR Pretoria), will be attended and facilitated by Honorable Commissioner Solomon Ayele Dersso, selected independent experts, as well as relevant staff of CHR Pretoria and the ACHPR Secretariat.
For further information, please contact:
1.Secretariat, African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights
31 Bijilo Annex Lay-out, Kombo North District Western Region.
P.O Box 673
Banjul, The Gambia
Tel: +220 4410505/6
E-mail : au-banjul@africa-union.org
Attention: Mrs. Abiola Idowu-Ojo (idowu-ojoa@africa-union.org) & Mr. Eugene Zwelithini Xaba (xabaz@africa-union.org).
2.The Centre for Human Rights
Faculty of Law, University of Pretoria
Pretoria, South Africa 0002
Tel.: +27 (0) 12 420 3819 / +27 12 420 3034
Attention: Ms. Hlengiwe Dube (hlengiwe.dube@up.ac.za) & Mr. Ompha Tshamano (ompha.tshamano@up.ac.za )
