A resolution emphasizing the protection and promotion of human rights in the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI), initiated by Bangladesh and seven other countries, has been adopted unanimously by the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) at its 63rd session.

Titled “Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights,” the resolution was led by Bangladesh and drafted by a core group comprising Algeria, Austria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Greece, Guyana, Kuwait and Nepal.

Bangladesh’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations in Geneva disclosed the development in a statement on Tuesday (October 6). The 63rd session of the Human Rights Council is being held in Geneva from September 7 to October 7.

The resolution stresses the need to ensure that the rapid development and use of AI remain consistent with international human rights law. It also calls for placing human dignity, individual decision-making and fundamental freedoms at the centre of AI-related policies and practices.

The Bangladesh-led initiative seeks to promote a balanced, forward-looking and human rights-based approach that recognizes AI’s significant potential for development and innovation while addressing its evolving impact on the promotion and protection of human rights.

A key aspect of the resolution is its emphasis on ensuring greater participation and capacity-building for developing countries. It highlights the importance of international cooperation, technical assistance, knowledge and technology sharing, and access to emerging technologies so that developing countries can meaningfully benefit from AI.

Under the guidance of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Bangladesh’s Permanent Mission in Geneva, acting as a penholder for the core group, first presented the draft at a pre-session meeting of the Human Rights Council in August. The mission subsequently held open, inclusive and constructive consultations with various delegations and stakeholders before finalizing the text.

While presenting the draft, Bangladesh noted that AI is becoming a powerful driver of rapid transformation across societies and institutions. Therefore, its development and use must remain aligned with international human rights principles.

The unanimous adoption of the resolution is being viewed as a significant development in international discussions on the relationship between AI and human rights, as well as a reflection of Bangladesh’s engagement in multilateral diplomacy on emerging global issues.