rki.news
DOHA, Feb. 25, On the occasion of World Social Justice Day, the National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) emphasized the need for a human-rights-based digital transition, highlighting ethical governance of artificial intelligence (AI) as essential to protect vulnerable groups.
The NHRC participated in a regional virtual seminar titled “Artificial Intelligence, Social Justice, and Decent Work for All”, organized in cooperation with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights – Middle East and North Africa Regional Office, the Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions, ESCWA, and Al Jazeera Media Institute.
Dr. Mohammed Al-Kuwari, Vice-Chair of NHRC, said the event provided an opportunity to renew commitment to addressing urgent challenges while promoting social justice rooted in human dignity, equality, and non-discrimination. He stressed that social justice extends beyond poverty alleviation and inclusion to the full realization of human rights and Sustainable Development Goals.
Dr. Al-Kuwari highlighted the potential of AI to advance education, vocational training, and workforce alignment, while warning of risks posed by unethical AI practices, including algorithmic bias, discrimination against women, persons with disabilities, and migrants, and widening social inequalities. He reiterated NHRC’s call for ethical AI governance based on human rights, ensuring digital transformation does not marginalize vulnerable groups.
Sultan Al-Jamali, Secretary-General of the Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions, emphasized that social justice is the compass for sustainable development. He noted that AI can both enhance productivity and innovation but may deepen inequalities without human-rights-based regulatory frameworks. He underlined the importance of transparency, accountability, and the right to decent work for all.
The seminar addressed AI’s impact on Arab labor markets, digital gaps, policies for fair digital transitions, and media’s role in responsible coverage. NHRC reaffirmed its commitment to working with national, regional, and international partners to strengthen digital equity, accountability, and human oversight of AI systems.