The OHCHR is working on a draft report on “New models for human rights in technical standards development organizations”. This report can be seen as a continuation of “Human rights and technical standard-setting processes for new and emerging digital technologies”, published in 2023.
In dialogue with this first report, we seek to examine practical models for the integration of human rights considerations and expertise into technical standard-setting processes. There remains a need for effective integration of digital rights in the creation of technical standards by extending the deepening analysis with the latest available literature.
We have explored the results of our latest series of consultations with key stakeholders, including SDOs, international organizations, civil society, and industry experts, ending with this final consultation on the draft outcomes. Previous consultations have focused on business incentives, multi-stakeholder engagement, the role of Member States, and the institutional frameworks and governance practices that determine how human rights can (or cannot) be embedded in standards.
This consultation is convened online and open to all participants in previous consultations, their colleagues and anyone else who would like their voice heard about the content of this draft report.
Forum objectives and agenda
The consultation will be held as an open forum. Participation is open to all but participants must register in advance. Speakers are kindly asked to officially register their interest in speaking. Speakers will be limited in time based on the number of registered speakers.
The OHCHR will gladly accept feedback in written form up until 26 August 2025 if submitted to mallory.knodel@un.org and michel.oliveiradesouza@un.org
Background on OHCHR’s work on technical standards and human rights
This consultation builds on the Human Rights Council Resolution 47/23 and OHCHR’s Human Rights Council-mandated work (A/HRC/53/42) and follows previous convenings in Seoul, Delhi, and London. Our ongoing research explores how human rights considerations can be integrated into technical standard-setting processes, such as standards related to AI.
