Event information

12 May 2022, 14:00-15:30

Downloads

Flyer >

Universally Digital

Human Rights Conversations

poster on big data poster on big data

Digitalization affects in many ways the enjoyment of human rights. Its specific impact on the issue areas covered by United Nations (UN) Special Procedures Mandates of the UN Human Rights Council has been addressed by a number of mandate holders, in particular in the areas of freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and the right to privacy.

This Human Rights Conversation aims at looking at what this digitalization means for the universality of human rights.

  • Does digitalization provide a path to strengthening the universal enjoyment of human rights?
  • Does the digital spread of information enhance universal understanding and knowledge about human rights?
  • What new challenges does digitalization pose to the universally recognized human rights, as defined in documents written in the pre-digitalization era? Do we need an update of the rights, or even new ‘e-rights’?

This discussion forms part of an ongoing research project at the Geneva Academy aimed at taking stock of and contributing to a better understanding of the various criticisms and tensions around the principle of universality of human rights, contrasting or reconciling different narratives.

Moderation

  • Felix Kirchmeier, Executive Director, Geneva Human Rights Platform

Panelists

  • Clément Voule, UN Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of sssociation
  • Koumba Boly Barry, UN Special Rapporteur on the right to education
  • Yuval Shany, Professor, Hebrew University and former Member, UN Human Rights Committee

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

Human Rights Conversation : Universally Digital

Watch the latest Human Rights Conversation, which discussed the various criticisms and tensions around the principle of universality of human rights, in particular in the areas of freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and the right to privacy.

 

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

GHRP in Davos News

AI and Human Rights in the Intelligent Age: GHRP in Davos

3 February 2025

The Geneva Human Rights Platform contributed to key discussions on AI, human rights, and sustainable digital governance at the World Economic Forum 2025.

Read more

Geneva Academy Briefing No.25 News

New Academy Briefing Calls for Stronger Engagement of Local and Regional Governments in Human Rights and SDG Monitoring

11 March 2025

The Geneva Academy’s latest publication explores how cities, municipalities, and regional authorities are becoming key players in global human rights governance.

Read more

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.

Read more

Open dump Training

Protecting Human Rights and the Environment

15-19 September 2025

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.

Read more

Neutrotechology Project

Neurotechnology and Human Rights

Started in August 2023

This project addresses the human rights implications stemming from the development of neurotechnology for commercial, non-therapeutic ends, and is based on a partnership between the Geneva Academy, the Geneva University Neurocentre and the UN Human Rights Council Advisory Committee. 

Read more

First annual conference of the Geneva Human Rights Platform Project

The Annual Conference of the Geneva Human Rights Platform

Started in June 2019

Read more

Cover of the 2023 Geneva Academy Annual Report Publication

Annual Report 2024

published on July 2025

Read more