2020 The United Nations Human Rights Council

Topic: The use and ethics of facial and biometric data by states

INTRODUCTION TO COMMITTEE:

The Human Rights Council is the main organ of the United Nations “responsible for strengthening the promotion and protection of human rights around the globe and for addressing situations of human rights violations and making recommendations on them.” The Human Rights Council consists of 47 member states, with staggered three terms, that are responsible for supporting and protecting human rights around the world.

Its mandate is to promote universal respect for all human rights and fundamental freedoms, to address and if necessary provide recommendations on all violations of human rights, in particular the grave and systematic violations, and to promote effective governance within the UN system in regards to human rights issues.

The Council has a global scope and regularly discusses breaches in human rights and has been at the forefront of promoting LGBTI, gender, minority and indigenous rights and values. The Council can employ special rapporteurs and working groups to investigate and intervene in these cases.

THE ISSUE:

The arrival of ‘big data’ and ever more powerful artificial intelligence learning has allowed states to implement increasing levels of facial recognition. This technology, coupled with advances in genomics and biometrics has increasingly allowed states to build profiles of their citizens. While such technology has usually fallen into the hands of law enforcement, several states are deploying such technologies to target certain sects of their population. The recent BLM protests that have reached many democratic nations have also been a focal point for the inappropriate use of facial/biometric data. The UNHRC is thus charged with navigating these emerging technologies and establishing guidelines that ensure that human rights are not suppressed as these technologies are deployed.

MEMBER STATES:

  • United States of America
  • People’s Republic of China
  • United Kingdom
  • Federative Republic of Brazil
  • Russian Federation
  • Germany
  • Republic of Singapore
  • Zimbabwe
  • Japan
  • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
  • Belgium
  • Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
  • Holy See

Briefing Paper Coming Soon!

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