JPTi Supports the Ombudsman of Uzbekistan in Organizing a United Nations Side Event in Geneva on Human Rights in the Digital Environment

This side event, entitled “Protection of Human Rights in the Digital Space: Experiences and Best Practices of National Human Rights Institutions,” was held on 31 March 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva (Room VIII), within the framework of the GANHRI Annual Meeting 2026 (30 March – 1 April 2026, United Nations Office at Geneva).

https://youtu.be/kaaaDlRRrtA

Organized by Ms. Feruza Farkhodovna Eshmatova, Commissioner of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Human Rights (Ombudsman), and supported technically and moderated by Justice pour Tous Internationale (JPTi), the session brought together leading representatives of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs) and international experts from Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa. The event was conducted in English and lasted 60 minutes.

The discussion focused on the evolving impact of digital transformation on the protection and promotion of human rights. Participants examined how the expansion of e-government systems, artificial intelligence, online platforms, and data-driven governance is reshaping institutional approaches to human rights. While digital technologies create new opportunities for access to information and remedies, they also introduce complex challenges related to privacy, personal data protection, freedom of expression, non-discrimination, the spread of online hate speech, and the accessibility of digital complaint mechanisms. Particular attention was also given to the risks of digital exclusion affecting vulnerable groups, including elderly persons, persons with disabilities, and those with limited digital skills, as well as to the implications of algorithmic decision-making and the need to ensure transparency, meaningful human oversight, and access to effective remedies.

Opening remarks and main presentations were delivered by Ms. Eshmatova, followed by a moderated session led by Ms. Matilde Pacheco, Human Rights Officer at Justice pour Tous Internationale. The panel featured distinguished speakers, including Ms. Sabina Aliyeva (Azerbaijan Ombudsman), Dr. Miriam Estrada-Castillo (Vice-Chair on Follow-Up, UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention), Mr. Robert Dobrovodský (Public Defender of Rights, Slovak Republic), Ms. Fungayi Jessie Majome (Chairperson, Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission), Dr. Marino Fardelli (Ombudsman of the Lazio Region and President of the National Coordination of Italian Ombudsmen), and Mr. Sharof Azizov (Executive Director, Justice pour Tous Internationale).

The session enabled an open and substantive exchange of experiences among National Human Rights Institutions and the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, with particular attention to the implications of artificial intelligence and digital governance. Participants shared best practices, practical solutions, and regional perspectives, contributing to enhanced international cooperation in the field of digital human rights. The discussion also reflected on the evolving institutional landscape, including the role of diverse and complementary human rights institutions and the importance of inclusive approaches to international cooperation and participation.

The event concluded by underscoring the growing importance of safeguarding human rights in the digital space and reaffirming the central role of National Human Rights Institutions in adapting to emerging technological challenges. It also strengthened collaboration among institutions and highlighted the necessity of coordinated efforts to ensure that digital transformation remains aligned with fundamental human rights principles and contributes to inclusive, accessible, and rights-based digital governance.

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