Doha Conference Highlights Urgent Call for Ethical AI and Human Rights Alignment Sudan’s Human Rights Chief Speaks on Privacy, Policy, and Qatar’s Global Leadership

English , International - بین الاقوامی , Snippets , / Wednesday, May 28th, 2025

Download this post as PDF

rki.news
Doha, Qatar – Nearly 800 global participants gathered in Doha for the international conference titled “Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights: Opportunities, Risks, and Visions for a Better Future,” hosted by Qatar’s National Human Rights Committee (NHRC).
The two-day event drew representatives from national human rights institutions, United Nations bodies, the Arab League, European Union, civil society organizations, researchers, and AI industry professionals. Participants came from Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Americas, making it a unique platform for cross-cultural and inter-regional dialogue.
The conference focused on ensuring that artificial intelligence technologies are developed and deployed in line with international human rights standards. Key themes included safeguarding data privacy, addressing the digital divide, minimizing algorithmic bias, and exploring how AI can advance human rights education and awareness.
One of the prominent voices at the conference was Mr. Gumaa Elwakeel Elieysir, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission of Sudan. In an exclusive interview with Haroon Rashid Qureshi, Editor-in-Chief of Rahbar Kisan International, Mr. Elieysir shared his thoughts on the opportunities and risks that AI brings to the human rights domain.
Exclusive Interview with Mr. Gumaa Elwakeel Elieysir
Chairperson, National Human Rights Commission, Sudan
Q: Please introduce yourself to our readers.
A: My name is Gumaa Elwakeel Elieysir, and I serve as Chairperson of Sudan’s National Human Rights Commission. I’m a trained lawyer with over 35 years of experience. I’ve worked as a public prosecutor and as a legal advisor to Sudan’s Minister of Justice. My professional life has been dedicated to promoting justice and human rights in Sudan.
Q: What is the primary goal of this conference on AI and human rights?
A: It’s an incredibly timely initiative. I commend Qatar’s NHRC for organizing it. The conference allows us to explore both the promise and the peril of artificial intelligence. It provides an opportunity to influence how AI can be shaped ethically and legally to protect human dignity across the globe.
Q: How can AI be used to promote human rights?
A: AI has tremendous potential as a learning and awareness tool. Through multilingual platforms and inclusive educational content, it can help foster a culture of rights, awareness, and civic responsibility. If integrated into public education and outreach, AI can significantly enhance human rights advocacy.
Q: What are the key threats AI poses to privacy?
A: The right to privacy is under serious threat in the AI era. Unchecked surveillance, facial recognition, and biometric data collection can infringe on fundamental freedoms. Strong legal protections and data governance frameworks are needed to uphold individual rights.
Q: What steps should countries take to ensure ethical AI usage?
A: Ethical considerations must be integrated from the beginning. Governments should pass comprehensive legislation, and developers must be held accountable. Independent regulatory bodies must oversee compliance and ensure transparency, fairness, and respect for human dignity in AI systems.
Q: How do you view Qatar’s contribution in this area?
A: Qatar is playing an important role through its NHRC, which holds A-status accreditation under the Paris Principles. The country is showing real leadership in advancing international cooperation and dialogue on human rights and technology.
Q: What long-term outcomes do you expect from this conference?
A: With its broad participation, the conference will have lasting influence. It will contribute to policy frameworks and national strategies that ensure AI development aligns with ethical and human rights standards.