essay on human rights and technology

How are today’s biggest tech trends affecting our human rights?

Big data poses new challenges - and opportunities - when it comes to human rights

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Next year it will be 70 years since the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The Declaration is a ground-breaking agreement affirming the rights of individual citizens, including the right to freedom from discrimination, the right to education, the right to a free and fair world and many more.

As a technological revolution, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is changing the way we live, work and interact with one another. It also has the potential to both challenge and uphold human rights. How are today’s three biggest technological trends impacting these rights?

Automation and the right to fair and decent work

The increasing use of AI and automation is disrupting the global jobs market and significantly impacting the right to fair and decent work. Experts estimate that by 2020, 85% of all customer interactions will be handled without a human agent , with support coming in the form of chatbots and self-service technologies. The OECD estimates that AI is currently meeting or exceeding human performance in a significant number of domains .

A subset of AI, Machine Learning (ML), is expanding rapidly, unlocking pathways to increasingly efficient, accurate, and powerful processes ranging from diagnosing cancer to enabling self-driving cars. Data is the key ingredient that makes machine learning possible. Companies like HireVue are uses AI and facial analysis to measure tone and delivery, for example, to make the hiring process more efficient.

However, not all data is created equal, nor is it equally available across geographies and demographics. The biggest sources of risk for data-related discrimination are inadequate data availability and biased or error-ridden data. In hiring practices, for example, algorithms mimic human decision-making, which can be based on bias.

The internet and the right to freedom of expression

The internet provides huge opportunity for individuals to exercise the right to freedom of opinion and expression through communication and exchange of ideas. More than 3 billion people now use the internet, a 2.3 billion rise since 2000.

Yet governments around the world shut down the internet more than 50 times in 2016, according to the United Nations – suppressing elections, slowing economies and limiting free speech. So called ‘fake news’ proliferated in the 2016 US election, a phenomenon familiar to countries such as the Philippines and Indonesia where online news has huge reach and influence. Technology companies’ ability to take down extremist content in real time is limited.

The Internet of Things and the right to privacy

The Internet of Things is perforating domains that were previously private. As a result, the distinction between private and public spheres is blurring and the individual’s right to privacy is being threatened. Business Insider projects there will be 34 billion devices connected to the internet by 2020. All of those devices have the ability to interact with and track our personal data, from smart phone location tracking to motion sensors with inbuilt video cameras filming your movements.

Millions of us are giving away our private data without even realising, despite many of us valuing privacy more than ever. This has an impact on children as well as adults. There is a growing industry of ‘smart toys’ equipped with AI and speech recognition that can interact with children, learn and send data back to the manufacturers - potentially violating the privacy rights of the child.

Three ways technology can protect human rights

1. Online learning and the right to education

More than 120 million children and adolescents around the world are out of school. Technology is becoming a major asset in the pathway to ensuring a quality education for all.

Online learning platforms are proliferating globally thanks to the internet. Platforms such as the Khan Academy, which has 10 million unique visitors a month, have been training children and adults since 2006. Africa alone has nearly 700 million mobile phone subscribers, offering opportunities to share educational content. BYJU’s is India’s largest app, with 7 million subscribers using digital animation and videos to share lessons with a focus on maths and science.

EdTech is disrupting education. Companies such as RoboTutor are creating open-source apps that enable children with little or no access to schools to learn basic reading, writing, and arithmetic. Chimple is using gamification and cognitive research to develop open-source software to autonomously help children learn – in groups or alone.

2. Big data and human rights

There is a now a vast amount of data available on environmental conditions, migration and conflict situations thanks to social media, crowd-sourced data and tracking devices on vehicles, mobile phones and other sensors. Cloud computing and big data analysis can use this data to analyse key trends and provide early warnings for critical issues before they occur, aiding the prevention and rapid response to humanitarian disasters.

Microsoft is collaborating with the United Nations to develop Rights View, a “dashboard” that will allow UN human rights staff to aggregate large quantities of internal and external data on specific countries and types of rights violations in real time. OCHA has opened a Centre for Humanitarian Data in the Netherlands that is focussed on increasing the use of data in humanitarian work. Before Hurricane Harvey hit the US earlier this year, agencies including NASA and NOAA were using technology to predict when the storm would hit.

3. Protecting human rights in the supply chain

Modern-day slavery still exists in the supply chains of many corporations. An estimated 30 million people are currently in forced labour in supply chains across multiple industries from electronics to fishing. Blockchain is an authentication mechanism that can enable transparency in supply chains from sourcing through to the customer purchase.

Blockchain is already being tested to eliminate abuses in certain supply chains. Everledger uses blockchain to track the provenance of diamonds – in particular whether or not they come from conflict zones. Provenance has tested tracking the origin of fish initiated by the catcher on the boat – in an industry where slavery is rife.

What’s next for technology and human rights?

In September, the World Economic Forum co-hosted a workshop for civil society and technology companies at its Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution together with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and Microsoft. The aim was to explore what human rights mean in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Brad Smith, President of Microsoft, and Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, concluded the day with a call to action: business, civil society, policy makers and technology companies have a responsibility to create solutions that keep humans at the core of emerging technologies. The newly created Partnership on AI , in which Microsoft is playing an active role, is an example of such public-private collaboration to advance human rights.

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Technology and Ethics

"The ethical impacts of technology can be understood, in part, by examining how it bears on human rights."

In this discussion paper by Matthew MacDonald, Technology & Human Rights Fellow ('22-'23), he discusses the dangers of new technology, misinformation, and how they intersect with human rights. "...It is possible for rights to evolve over time, and for new rights to emerge, in response to changes in the “systematicity” of significant hazards. Hateful misinformation is one hazard which is growing increasingly systematic as a result of technologically-driven changes to the infosystem. This motivates carefully re-examining the limits of an established right (the right to free speech), and seriously evaluating the case for a new right (a distinctive right against misinformation)," he writes. Read the full paper here .

Online video games are social networks, afflicted with the same speech moderation questions as other social media platforms, like Meta and Twitter, including rampant abuse, harassment, and misinformation. Without effective self-regulation, the United States and other countries have sought to regulate gaming’s messages, content, and user experience. However, video games are not passive media players consume. They are an interactive medium steered by users’ participation and speech. Video games are much more like interactive worlds, like virtual reality platforms, seeking to bring work, parties, dating, play, and everyday life online. If governments choose to regulate video games, they must balance legitimate content moderation needs with the rights of Free Speech, Free Expression, and Free Association. Governments should enact legislation that empowers users’ freedom, like strong privacy and anti-government surveillance laws, instead of restrictive laws to prohibit categories of speech in video games.  Read the full paper here .

Don't Talk to People Like They're Chatbots

"AI could make our human interactions blander, more biased—or ruder," write Carr Center faculty Bruce Schneier and Technology and Human Rights Fellow Albert Fox Cahn in  The Atlantic.

... Read more about Don't Talk to People Like They're Chatbots

In 2023, the international community celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). The creation of such a document—its mere existence—must count among the greatest achievements in human history.

In recognition of this anniversary, the Carr Center’s latest publication, Making a Movement: The History and Future of Human Rights , delves into the past, present, and future of the human rights movement, evaluating its successes and failures, and presenting potential areas of progress.

Throughout the publication, you’ll read pieces from 90 Harvard faculty, fellows, and affiliates as they evaluate the intersection of the UDHR and global human rights with the themes of racial justice, transitional justice, economic equality, women’s rights, LGBTQ rights, security, migration, changing political systems, climate change, advancing technology, and more. Read the publication.

The exacerbation of racial inequality through the design of technologies remains an understated way in which the evolution of digital technologies impacts our human rights. As we continue to consider the impacts of modern technology on our human rights in areas such as privacy, freedom of expression, etc., we must also increasingly consider the interaction between digital technologies and forms of racial inequality. We continue to see how people of certain races are subjected to prejudicial consequences and outcomes of the design and deployment of digital technologies. This makes it relevant to examine a racial (in)equality perspective of advancing a “human rights by design” agenda for digital technologies. The conversations about racial inequality and digital technologies have also not specifically centered the discourse from a dependence perspective. This gave cause for the paper which links the development of digital technologies to thoughts about dependence through examining the racial inequality and discrimination discourse that has emerged because of the development and deployment of digital technologies. Perhaps racial inequality is also exacerbated by dependence on digital technologies developed in settings and cultures that give little recognition to the need to include all races in the design and deployment of digital technologies. Thoughts about the obligation of tech companies to imply key human rights standards such as non-discrimination and equality in the design stages of digital technologies further provides a background for the elaboration of the idea that “design thinking” can promote tech designing in a manner that incorporates safeguards against racial discrimination based on human rights standards. Read the paper.

In 2021 the Saami Council asked Harvard to suspend research related to stratospheric aerosol injections, a form of geoengineering. Their intervention raises far-reaching questions regarding the appropriateness of geoengineering as a response to climate change, but also regarding the status of indigenous voices in this debate. I make two main points. Firstly, it behooves us to engage indigenous voices as a way of addressing one type of moral corruption in climate change, namely that only voices from the present can engage on what to do about it. Absent actual representation of future generations, engaging with the ecological stance typically associated with indigenous groups (who display remarkable commonality in this regard) is the best we can do. Secondly, while critics rightly associate geoengineering with the mindset that caused climate change, it still seems wise to continue research into stratospheric aerosol injections. But advocacy in this domain has performative dimensions and itself might trigger reactions and counter-reactions. So, taking this stance entails follow-up obligations to ensure geoengineering is not used to defeat efforts at emission reductions. Read the paper .

Rapid advances in AI have created a global sense of urgency around the ways that automated systems are changing human lives. Not all of these changes are necessarily for the better. On what basis, therefore, might we be able to assert a right to be free from automated systems and AI? The idea seems absurd, given how embedded these technologies already are and the improvements they have generated in contemporary life when we compare with prior periods in human history. And yet, there are good grounds for recognizing a general entitlement to protect at least three important human abilities: i) to work; ii) to know and understand the source of the content we consume; and iii) to make our own decisions. Understood comprehensively, a right to freedom from automated systems and AI could mean that individuals and communities are presented with alternative options and/or leverage to keep them from losing these abilities long cherished in the history of human development. Such a right does not call for dismantling the technological age, but rather designates what we ought to contest and protect in a world with a precarious dependence on technology. Read the paper .

New Release: Political Theory of the Digital Age: Where Artificial Intelligence Might Take Us

Political Theory of the Digital Age: Where Artificial Intelligence Might Take Us  is the latest, newly released book from Carr Center Faculty Director Mathias Risse.

... Read more about New Release: Political Theory of the Digital Age: Where Artificial Intelligence Might Take Us

Study Group: Tech and Human Rights in North Korea

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Dr. Jieun Baek (Carr Center for Human Rights Policy, Research Manager for “Tech and Human Rights in North Korea”) will lead a six-session study group: “Technology and Human Rights in North Korea.” North Korea remains to be one of the worst human rights violators of its people, with abuses amounting to what the UN labels as crimes against humanity. This study group aims to discuss cross-industry actors and activities involved in using technology to better understand and improve human rights of North Korean people....

Human rights are dynamic, rather than static. The contemporary status quo emerged via a three-phase process, from conceptualization, to clarification, and to consolidation. The present is an interregnum between two significant eras, a fact which the generations metaphor does not adequately capture. The future of human rights will be shaped by how individuals and institutions engage with advances in technologies that transform and extend the mind and body. Particular attention is paid to innovation in superintelligence, social robots, and augmented humans. One implication of this analysis is that changes to the mind and body are likely to transform the subject of rights and to require the development of more a sophisticated rights ecology. Human rights scholars and advocates should engage in a proactive and ambitious program to prepare for such developments. Such efforts will ensure there are rights to clarify and consolidate in the era to come. Read the paper .

In spring 2013, a global coalition, the Campaign to Stop Killer Robots, launched with a mission to advocate for a ban on “machines that determine whom to kill.” Nine years later, almost to the day at the time of writing, no such ban exists. Autonomous weapons research is alive and well, and artificial intelligence has made it to the fore of the Pentagon’s future weapons development strategy. The latest Review Conference of the Convention on Conventional Weapons (CCW), a primary forum for international talks on lethal autonomous weapon systems, failed to achieve consensus on whether new international laws are needed to address threats posed by autonomous weapons technology. Meanwhile, high-tech military powers, including China, Russia, Israel, South Korea, the US, and the UK, continue to invest heavily in the development of autonomous weapon systems.

One especially widely shared worry is that AWS may not be able to comply with the laws of armed conflict. This paper warns that, though seemingly natural and ubiquitous, appeals to international humanitarian law (IHL) should be handled with care. By interrogating compliance with IHL as a criterion for assessing the moral permissibility of deployment, this paper illuminates an altogether different dimension of the debate: what criteria we should apply to begin with, as we confront the moral and legal conundrums of the increasing autonomization of warfare. Read the paper .

Shadow Politics: Disinformation in The Digital Age

Towards Life 3.0: Ethics and Technology in the 21st Century is a talk series organized and facilitated by Dr. Mathias Risse, Director of the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy, and Berthold Beitz Professor in Human Rights, Global Affairs, and Philosophy and Sushma Raman, Executive Director of the Carr Center for Human Rights Policy. Drawing inspiration from the title of Max Tegmark’s book, Life 3.0: Being Human in the Age of Artificial...

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The coming ai hackers.

Jasanoff on science, technology and human rights for the 75th Anniversary of the UDHR

December 11, 2023, sheila jasanoff contributed to a recent essay collection by the harvard kennedy school carr center on human rights policy commemorating the 75th anniversary of the universal declaration of human rights. the complete publication, entitled “making a movement: the history and future of human rights,” can be found here , and jasanoff’s essay on science, technology and human rights is copied below..

The relationship between science, technology, and human rights is embedded in the oldest myths of Western civilizations, from Adam and Eve’s expulsion from Eden because they ate the forbidden fruit of knowledge to Prometheus’ fateful decision to bring fire to humankind.

Implicit in these stories is a paradox that lies at the heart of moral inquiry in the field of Science and Technology Studies (STS): how can we ensure that expanding the frontiers of knowledge and toolmaking will emancipate rather than hurt or enslave humanity? STS embraces the notion that knowledge and technologies which are good for humanity should protect the fundamental pillars of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)— dignity, liberty, equality, and brotherhood—not diminish or compromise them.

One strand of concern in the field of STS, therefore, centers on points in the development of science and technology where potentially harmful consequences get embedded into the very facts and designs that emerge from making and applying knowledge. These can be extraordinarily diverse. The causes of rights-endangering development that reduce equality or damage brotherhood can range from deliberate acts to carelessness or institutional blindness. For example, promoting crop biotechnology based on scientific demonstrations of safety may seem justified from the standpoint of feeding the world population or fighting climate change. Yet, the failure to consider the impacts of a technology that favors industrial-scale agriculture at the expense of small farmers may have disproportionate effects on people’s economic rights, as well as their right to a safe and healthful environment. Through ideas such as “responsible research and innovation” or “upstream risk assessment,” STS seeks to identify the reasons for designers’ possible narrowing of vision, and thereby to build a wider concern for human rights into the early stages of technology development.

STS, however, is also concerned with problematic shifts that may occur when developments in science and technology impinge on the qualities that make us human. In this respect, the field tracks the UDHR’s focus on dignity and liberty. Will the expansion of research on lab-created embryos or the generation of machines that displace human interaction reduce our respect for human dignity and the freedom to develop our personalities through our own choices? These concerns draw STS into exploring the theoretical foundations that justify the rights protected by the Declaration—as an adjunct to more conventional traditions in moral and political theory.

Last but not least, STS is concerned with the future, as both science and technology operate in human lives to articulate and empower destinies not within the reach of our predecessors. As long as inequality remains a stubborn foundation of our social world, the capacity to imagine and confect alternative futures is not equally distributed around the world. To give voice to human aspiration—an urge that surely animates the UDHR—one should note explicitly, as STS does, that the right to anticipate good futures is itself an ethical obligation that we owe to one another as members of the species that we call “human.”

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Impact of technology on human rights.

Following nearly all global industrial revolutions to date, a peculiar common thread has persisted in their wake: technological advancements and related human rights violations. Despite the fact that technology and human rights seem to be wholly unrelated concepts, it is critical to understand the nuances connecting them in preparation for the next era of advancement.

At the most basic level, technology is the cumulative sum of any techniques, skills, methods, and processes used to produce goods or services or to accomplish specific objectives, such as scientific investigation. It both helps the human race pursue the quest to attain the unknown and opens doors to new avenues of exploration.

Recently, Harvard Kennedy School formed a Technology and Human Rights advisory committee that would work on the lines of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 and encourage significant progress toward achieving more consistent human rights standards in countries around the world. The declaration was a ground-breaking agreement that affirmed the rights of individual citizens, including the right to freedom from discrimination, the right to education, the right to a free and fair world, and many more. Technological improvements inevitably have had far-reaching ramifications to further the human rights framework that it established.

Technology is continually evolving at an extraordinary pace. While there are significant benefits that technology can bring, there are ethical considerations that modern societies must be aware of to further protect themselves from human rights violation with the advancing intelligent technology . 

Implications of technology on human rights

From a practical standpoint, technology serves as an important tool to aid in the advancement of universal human rights. For example, countries may use satellite data to track displaced individuals, artificial intelligence can help with picture recognition to collect data on human rights violations, and forensic technology can assist law enforcement organisations with reconstructing crime scenes and holding criminals accountable. Despite the numerous ways that developing technologies enhance human rights, the potential to harm also co-exists. From authoritarian nations using surveillance technologies to monitor political dissenters to the phenomenon of "deepfakes" undermining the democratic realm, policymakers must consider technology’s ethical and practical ramifications as technical breakthroughs advance.

Ramifications of technology 

An article by the World Economic Forum (WEF) on technology and human rights likened the advances in technology to a fourth industrial revolution, underscoring technology’s potential to further and stymie human rights initiatives. According to the WEF, today’s three biggest technological trends are significantly influencing human rights around the world.

• Automation and the right to fair and decent work

Artificial intelligence (AI) in the workforce has the potential to be detrimental in that it may decrease the need for workers. For instance, the extensive use of AI chatbot software handles web-originating communication thereby makes human interaction obsolete. Further, deploying machine learning across various verticals, such as human resources, can create inequities in how data is used and available across geographies, thereby potentially introducing biases and flaws into the hiring process.

• The Internet of Things and the right to privacy

The introduction of the Internet of Things (IoT) to the public domain has led millions of users to give away private data through smart devices, which may potentially lead to the degradation of individuals’ rights to privacy.

• The Internet and freedom of expression

Globally, more than 3 billion people regularly use the internet, which provides a significant opportunity for individuals to exercise their rights of freedom of opinion and expression. However, governments around the world limit or prohibit internet access, suppressing these rights.

Three ways that technology can promote human rights

While there are certainly ways in which parties can use technology in furtherance of the violation of human rights, on the whole, it has the potential to immensely benefit society. These are three of the most significant benefits:

• Online learning and the right to education 

The internet has revolutionised education systems in certain places where there was limited or no access to education, helping the most impoverished people engage in formal learning via educational technology platforms at minimal to no cost.

• Big data and human rights

Social media, crowdsourcing, and tracking devices that are built into vehicles such as mobile phones have helped to amass vast amounts of data on environmental conditions, migrations, and conflict situations around the world. Big data analysts can use the trends they gather from the information to identify early warning signals before a detrimental event occurs. For example, Microsoft uses big data to engage in humanitarian work, whereas NASA and meteorological organisations regularly use data analysis to predict storms and natural disaster occurrences.

• Protecting human rights in the supply chain

Many corporations' opaque supply lines still involve modern-day slavery. An estimated 30 million individuals are forced to work in supply chains in many different industries, including electronics, mining, and fisheries. Using an authentication technique like blockchain can help improve supply chain transparency from sourcing to client purchasing. Blockchain is already in use to eliminate supply chain abuses in some cases. For example, Everledger uses blockchain to trace diamond provenance, including whether the stone originates from a war zone. In an industry where slavery is rampant, provenance has explored tracking the origin of fish by keeping tabs on the catcher on the boat.

So, what’s next for technology and human rights?

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Basic Technology and Human Rights Essay (Critical Writing)

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), constructed after the end of the Second World War, explicitly lists that each citizen has certain rights. If some people are able to enjoy the facilities being introduced as a result of technological improvisations, and it reaches to a chosen few, with no chance in sight of reaching out to large number of needy people, then it has the connotation of human rights violations.

The car industry is one fine example of such violations. Four-wheeler becomes a necessity for a small family of three or four persons on a day out, but a large number of people, particularly in the developing world, do not have access to a car, because they cannot afford such high prices. Taking a cue from such difficulties, Tata Motors, a leading car producer in India, has come out with Nano 1 , a $2500 car. This step is certainly a great step towards respecting the right of even a lesser privileged person to own a car. It can certainly be argued that Tata had the inkling about the availability of huge market base in India, while announcing this decision. But to attribute the reason behind this decision solely on ‘marketing tactics’ will mean denial of the saner thoughts that have gone into this dream project of Tata’s. Otherwise we might be having numerous other car manufacturers lined up to take advantage of the huge market potential. In fact, the likes of Ford, Hyundai, GM etc. are still on the lookout for an appropriate response!

Access to adequate health care facilities is one of the key human rights of an individual. It is being observed that while the rich and affluent is able to take the help of best available doctors from all around the world, the middle class and the poor folks had to remain contented with the available facilities within their cities, towns. Having offspring is certainly a cherished dream of all parents, but sometimes owing to a range of factors, couples fail to have children under normal circumstances. Technology like artificial methods of procreation or in vitro fertilization 2 can help a person having enough paying capacity to enjoy the company of his/her own children, but the poor one’s are left to rue all their life, unless the couple is helped by an NGO or willing philanthropists. This technology gap also results in conferring unequal human rights of citizens.

A simple and a pure market approach will not lead to an automatic solution for people with basic-needs problems especially those with scarce resources. There is need to have a Global Technological Facility that addresses vital human rights. Jamie F. Metzl also points out that 3 , “Advances in information technology benefits human rights movements by enabling rapid transmission of information to monitor and respond to human rights violations.” Transformations of the scientific and technological contexts have seen advances in production but delays in liberty. Further redevelopment and common international agreements steered by UN commissions on human rights should therefore incorporate these technologies as human rights. A dual strategy is thus required to deal with extreme poverty and modern competitiveness. Thus it can be ruled out that enabling access of the poor and semi-literate to ‘modern’ technology is a positive act towards enhancing their human rights.

Reuters (2008). Tata Motors rolls out the $2,500 ‘Nano’ in India. Web.

Weeramantry, C.G. (1993). The impact of technology on human rights: global case-studies. Web.

C.G. Weeramantry, “The Impact of Technology on Human Rights,” Web.

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Human Rights in the Digital Age

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• Published: 26 October 2019
• Volume 20 , pages 477–482, ( 2019 )

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Mansour-Ille, D. Human Rights in the Digital Age. Hum Rights Rev 20 , 477–482 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12142-019-00572-y

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Published : 26 October 2019

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Reflecting on key dilemmas about ensuring human rights in the age of technology

The age of technology is shaping the current and future challenges to human rights protection. academia can foster spaces for dialogue and exchange of views, such as the 2023 euregio summer school which is in a cooperation with the global campus of human rights and focuses on the interplay between human dignity, human rights and digital technologies..

Digital transformation is the mainstream theme of the current era. Digitalisation is not just a particular subject area, be it in terms of its technical components or be it in terms of its conceptual framework. It is shaping reality. It is the consequence and a manifestation of a dominant perception and knowledge of nature, machine and human beings that initiated in early modernity. The digital age has shaped how people access and share information, form their opinions, debate, and mobilise, deeply transforming the public sphere. However, technology has also been used to suppress, limit and violate rights, for instance through surveillance , censorship , online harassment , algorithmic bias , and automated decision-making systems . The misuse of digital technologies also disproportionately affects marginalised individuals and groups, leading to inequality and discrimination.

The aforementioned topics lead to the need to further discuss possible solutions to these issues. In this regard, the academic sector fosters spaces for dialogue and exchange of views, such as the 2023 Euregio Summer School which also is in a cooperation with the Global Campus of Human Rights . This initiative has brought together students and experts from the fields of IT, law, and social sciences to discuss issues on human rights in the digital age through a mixture of presentations from experts and interactive group work, addressing the impact of technology within the sphere of human dignity. With an interdisciplinary approach to this topic, the gathering has included discussions regarding legislative developments, democratic institutions and processes, as well as questions concerning the implications of open data on scientific research and the overall implications of these developments on human freedom.

In particular, the lectures and discussions have been organised in relation to three disciplines. Firstly, Ivo De Gennaro and Robert Simon have presented some thoughts regarding a philosophical perspective on dignity and human rights. Secondly, Robert Simon has addressed the age of technology from an IT point of view. Thirdly, Domenico Rosani has discussed the issues related to digital media, criminal law and human rights. Lastly, Marya Akhtar has focused on the need to guarantee human rights in automated decision-making at public sector profiling, and in digital platforms.

A focus on Akhtar’s lecture During her lecture on ‘ human rights and technology ’, Marya Akhtar from the Danish Institute for Human Rights has analysed the intricate overlap between technology and human rights. She has discussed the obstacles presented by automated decision-making in different fields such as public administration, finance, and law enforcement. The presentation has drawn attention to issues related to discretionary legal judgments, emphasising the significance of transparent algorithmic procedures, and navigating a fine line between non-discrimination and potential biases introduced by algorithms.

Akhtar has thoroughly examined the notion of achieving a ‘favourable equilibrium’, drawing inspiration from legal philosopher Alf Ross, who emphasised the skill of reaching mutually agreeable solutions. Her exploration has also encompassed topics such as the potential for automating discretion, distinguishing between discretionary and capricious decisions, as well as appreciating the significance of reasoning in decision-making processes. Furthermore, discussions have revolved around transparency concerns intrinsic to automated decision-making ( ADM ) systems by analysing the trade-offs involved in balancing explainability and accuracy, while highlighting challenges associated with comprehending intricate algorithms. In relation to discrimination within ADM, Akhtar has identified three distinct levels of potential harm: repetition, amplification, and trade-offs. She has discussed in depth the intricate nature of safeguarding against various manifestations of bias, also exploring how proxy information can exert influence in this regard.

The discussion has turned toward the influence of technology giants on human rights. Akhtar has examined their complex role as facilitators of free expression and carriers of harmful content such as hate speech and disinformation. The intrusive practices related to data collection, sharing, and the potential manipulation of user thoughts have also been emphasised. Although tech giants are not directly bound by enforceable obligations, the issue regarding their accountability under international human rights law has been brought up. Additionally, in examining the available international legal instruments for safeguarding human rights, the importance of striking a harmonious equilibrium between voluntary adherence and obligatory responsibilities has been highlighted. She has introduced risk-based methodologies as an alternative, drawing parallels to the principle of proportionality in human rights legislation and providing instances such as GDPR, DSA, and AIA.

All in all, Akhtar has underscored the importance of striking a balanced and harmonious relationship between self-regulation and obligations in the technology industry in order to protect human rights. Her presentation has provided valuable insights into the evolving landscape of how technology affects human rights, advocating for increased transparency, accountability, and a nuanced approach to regulation.

A focus on Rosani’s lecture Another relevant topic addressed during the Euregio Summer School is self-generated child pornography . This widespread phenomenon has a strong connection with the digital age, in which technology shapes our daily life and plays an important role in some of the most personal and intimate aspects of our existence. In particular, younger generations are inclined to consider the Internet and IT tools as a natural part of their love and sexual life. Practices like sexting are common among teenagers and they are increasingly becoming part of the exploration of sexuality. Domenico Rosani from the University of Utrecht has addressed self-generated child pornography from a criminal law perspective with a special focus on European legislation.

First, Rosani has highlighted the lack of a clear definition of self-generated child pornography at the international level. In particular, he has focused on the difficulties encountered by the legislators in choosing a definition that guarantees protection to minors and at the same time avoids their criminalisation. At the European level, the Council of Europe (CoE) has addressed the topic in the 2007 Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse ( Lanzarote Convention ). Moreover, the European Union (EU) has focused on it in the Council Framework Decision 2004/68/JHA and Directive 2011/93/EU . More recently, both the UN and the CoE have further addressed the topic, respectively in General Comment No. 25 of the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child, the 2019 Opinion of the Lanzarote Committee, and the 2022 Implementation Report of the Lanzarote Committee. The resulting legal framework allows European states to not criminalise consensual child pornography in specific circumstances.

The example of self-generated child pornography shows how the digital age creates new human rights threats but also reproduces old discussions in new contexts. Indeed, the online diffusion of self-generated child pornographic material regards new aspects of the concepts of evolving capacities and the right balance between the protection of minors and their autonomy. This issue raises questions also about the age of sexual consent and the concept of private use of contents. However, European states have not been able yet to find a common ground on these topics and they adopted different solutions creating fragmentation and uncertainty.

Looking head Addressing the dilemmas about ensuring human rights in the age of technology requires further steps into the legal harmonisation and practices of all the sectors of society. The interplay between human dignity and digitalisation needs new provisions regarding state and non-state actors’ obligations in the technology sector to protect people’s rights. In this regard, the rich discussions at the 2023 Euregio Summer School have offered insightful exchanges from relevant interdisciplinary backgrounds to aim for increased transparency, accountability, and a legal framework on the evolving topic of technology.

Written by Cristina Giacomin, Pamela Peralta and Eirini Tsordia

Cristina Giacomin

Cristina Giacomin holds a master’s degree in law at the University of Trento. She is currently a master’s student in Human Rights and Democratisation ( EMA ) at the Global Campus of Human Rights. She is interested in the relationship between human rights and new technologies.

Pamela Peralta

Pamela Peralta holds a degree in law at the Universidad Católica “Nuestra Señora de la Asunción”. She is currently a master’s student in Human Rights and Democratisation ( EMA ) at the Global Campus of Human Rights. She works as a consultant at the Centre for Civil and Political Rights.

Eirini Tsordia

Eirini Tsordia is a master’s student of Human Rights and Democratisation ( EMA ) at the Global Campus of Human Rights. She is interested in the intersection of law and technology, women and minority rights. She explores the impact of digital transformation on human rights, focusing on privacy, freedom of expression, and access to information.

Cite as:  Giacomin, Cristina; Peralta, Pamela; Tsordia, Eirini. "Reflecting on key dilemmas about ensuring human rights in the age of technology ", GC Human Rights Preparedness , 21 September 2023, https://gchumanrights.org/gc-preparedness/preparedness-science-technology/article-detail/reflecting-on-key-dilemmas-about-ensuring-human-rights-in-the-age-of-technology.html

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Human Rights and Technology. The 2030 Agenda for sustainable development

This is compilation of articles exploring the relationship between Human Rights, Technology and the Sustainable Development Goals. It includes examples from different parts of the world on how technology can help us to achieve SDGs, specially the ones related to access to information, management of information and communication technologies, water potabilization, and gender equality.

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Mariateresa Garrido

The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development is grounded on the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international human rights treaties, as well as technological developments. Yet we need to review how technology can be used as a tool to ensure prosperity and the fulfillment of people’s needs. For this reason, this article presents the UPEACE Book: “Human Rights and Technology. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development”, to be published in February 2017.

Concepts, Methodologies, Tools, and Applications

Judith Dueck

Interal Res journa Managt Sci Tech

“…The moment man first picked up a stone or a branch to use as a tool, he altered irrevocably the balance between him and his environment. From this point on, the way in which the world around him changed was different. It was no longer regular or predictable. New objects appeared that were not recognizable as a mutation of something that had existed before, and as each one emerged it altered the environment not for a season but forever. While the number of these tools remained small, their effect took a long time to spread and to cause change. But as they increased, so did their effects: the more the tools, the faster the rate of change." --James Burke, Connections.

POLICY PAPERS UNESCO / ICT for Sustainable Development. Recommendations for Public Policies that Guarantee Rights

OLGA DEL RIO SANCHEZ , Raquel Martínez-Gómez López

The digital technology revolution is decisively contributing to the modification of economic, social and political standards. The emergence of information and communication technologies (ICT) has opened up a new field of possibilities and opportunities, which until very recently were hardly imaginable, for developing freedom of expression, access to information, transparency, and surveillance by citizens regarding development processes and dynamics. The present policy paper seeks to provide decision-makers with tools for reflecting on the design and development of public policies to ensure that ICT contribute to development in terms of sustainability, inclusion and social justice, in line with the commitments embodied in the 2030 Agenda and the SDGs.

Science and Engineering Ethics

Stephen Marks

ELCOP Yearbook of Human Rights 2018: Human Rights and Digital Age

Md Khalid Rahman

The catchphrase of Sustainable Development Goals 'Leave no one behind' is a symbol of hope and aspiration in attaining justice against inequality, discrimination, expulsion and sufferings. This paper intends to show the in-depth connection between sustainable development goals and human rights. Human rights deal with the right of the individuals whereas, the SDGs work with the establishment of such rights in a collective manner. Therefore, this paper also advocates that in order to fulfill the commitment of establishing human rights, SDGs will show the pathway in a easier way to achieve them. Human rights have emerged as a major theme from the UN-led process and debate to set a 2030 development agenda. The perspective of peace and security, good governance, rule of law and gender equality are of a particular importance in setting the future targets and goals which are also relevant with the human rights agenda in different international and regional treaties. It is essential to include in the 2030 development agenda a requirement for national governments and international stakeholders to frame their apaproach to economic and social development with clear commitments to with time realization of human rights for mankind and with strengthened systems of participation, transparency and accountability. The human rights commitments should include plans for improving gender equality, health, education, nutrition, good governance, water and sanitation, land and housing.

CEFAGE-UE Working …

Manuel Branco

Theresa Harris

Ilse Oosterlaken

This book introduces the capability approach – in which well-being, agency and justice are the core values - as a powerful normative lens to examine technology and its role in development. This approach attaches central moral importance to human capabilities understood as effective opportunities people have to lead the kind of lives they have reason to value. The book examines both the strengths and limitations of the capability approach when applied to technology, and shows the need to supplement it with other approaches in order to deal with the challenges that technology raises. The first chapter places the capability approach within the context of broader debates about technology and human development. The middle part then critically scrutinizes the relation between technology and human capabilities, arguing that attention needs to be paid to both design details and to embedding technology in broader socio-technical networks. It also discusses the relationship between technology and the good life, including the danger of imposing one vision of what it means to lead a good life through the transfer of technologies. The final chapter examines the case of 'ICT for Development' (ICT4D), as the technology domain where the approach has been most extensively applied so far. This is an invaluable read for students in Development Studies and STS as well as policy makers and practitioners looking for an accessible overview of technology and development from the perspective of the capability approach.

… Facing the Challenges of Global Change

Joseba Sainz de Murieta

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Inspiring human rights essays everybody should know

Can Human Rights Bring Social Justice? 12 Essays

Technically this is a collection of 12 separate essays, but all of them address the same topic: the intersection of human rights and social justice.

Scholars from countries around the world discuss what human rights and social justice actually mean, the potential for human rights to lead to social justice (or not), and what the role of human rights organizations like Amnesty International is in the conversation and practice of human rights law and social justice. Each author offers a unique perspective, some positive and some critical, on the topic and covers a specific aspect of the topic to help create a whole picture.

Women’s Rights are Human Rights

In this publication from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), the contributors explore one of the most fundamental and essential human rights: the rights of women. From the perspective of the United Nations, this publication is a comprehensive overview of the issue of human rights, including the international human rights laws and UN practices related to the topic. Additionally, it talks about specific issues relating to women’s rights, such as reproductive health, standard of living, conflict, violence against women, access to justice, and more. Through each of these specific areas, this report gives examples of the human rights framework in action through real-life cases.

Part 1: So Software Has Eaten the World: What Does It Mean for Human Rights, Security and Governance ; Part 2: Digital Disruption of Human Rights

This two-part article from Eileen Donahoe, Director of Global Affairs for Human Rights Watch, discusses the intersection of technology and human rights in an increasingly digital age. Donahoe’s experiences serving with UNHCR, Human Rights Watch, International Service for Human Rights, and Stanford University’s Center for International Security and Cooperation provide a unique and informed perspective on the challenges that technology brings the progression and implementation of human rights. The first article addresses issues related to governance and globalization, and the second article talks about the disparity in human rights that technology can cause and has caused already. For human rights professionals, her articles provide important insight to consider in the implementation and practice of human rights law.

The Perils of Indifference

Although this essay was originally a speech from Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel, it is important reminder of where the world has been in terms of human rights violations, as well as where we should strive to be. While the tenants of the speech are ones that most human rights professionals know, they are also tenants that can be easy to forget in the day-to-day work and the seemingly endless fight for justice. Wiesel reminds human rights professionals, along with the rest of the world, why they shouldn’t give in to indifference when the struggle for human rights is long and difficult. Beyond being an inspiring piece, this speech, and Wiesel’s writings in general, have been key pieces to human rights theory and practice, shaping the ideas and ideals we have today.

Letter from Birmingham Jail

Another important historical piece in the human and civil rights movements is Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail.” In addition to defending the practice of nonviolent protest, the letter also serves as a call to action for people to take direct action against unjust laws rather than to rely or wait on the courts to serve justice. King’s letter is a reminder for all human rights professionals that the road to human rights practice is not easy and is not always black and white. As an essay addressing one of the most fundamental and long-standing human rights issues, racial inequality, this letter is an inspiring and historical reminder for all human rights professionals.

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About the author, allison reefer.

Allison Reefer is a young professional living in Pittsburgh, PA. She works with a refugee resettlement agency to help refugees and immigrants in the city, and she volunteers with a local shelter for human trafficking victims. She obtained her Master in International Development from the University of Pittsburgh and a BA in Writing from Geneva College, focusing most of her academic work on human trafficking and migration in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. In her free time, she loves to write, read, sing and play bass guitar, practice Russian, and explore her city.

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Relation Between Humans and Technology, Essay Example

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Technological determinism is a theory that the development of both social structures and cultural values driven by the society’s technology. The term is believed to have been invented by an American Sociologist, Thorstein Veblen (1857-1929). Technological momentum is also a theory that states the relationship between the society and technology over a period. It was coined by Thomas P. Hughes a Historian of technology. Hughes believes in having two distinct models to see how technology and society interact, he claims that the new, upcoming technologies are the one that affects the society. These technologies are brought up in ways that they are lasting and irremediable, and the society has to change to be able to survive.

Technology and the human community have drastically grown together given the fact that, technology puts the human community on its toes each and every second. Time is the unifying factor between the social and technological determinism. Social claims that the societies have the power to control how technology will develop and uses are true. When technology is still young, the society has control over it and can easily mould it to fit its suitability. Although, when it has matured, the society will be the one to adjust to accommodate to the new technology. The current technology has increasingly improved the education sector. According to Thomas Edison State College “technology has improved the ability to do research and elevates our knowledge on contemporary problems and extends our ability to address those issues with scope and depth”. Education research has become easier, and fun to do with the new technology, which makes it faster to acquire required materials for use. However, technology cannot work independently it requires knowledge on cultural values to be able to compliment it (Murphie & Potts 19).

In relation to cultural values and history, technology had to be there even in the ancient time where hunting tools, sculptures and jewelry were being shaped and decorated either by curving or painting.

Currently in leadership, technology has demonstrated a great deal of importance in numerous occasions, like in the case of Second World War. Nazi Germany with the use of technology like new rockets and jet planes achieved technological innovations, although he did not change the fate of the war. It would have been different if the innovation had come earlier and would have determined the momentum (Feenberg 2003). Technology has also improved the communication standards, accountability and accessibility. Leaders can be easily reached through the availability of Internet, telephones and fax machines. Therefore, it is imperative for leaders to gain knowledge and understanding of vast technological advancements and how they help in managerial and decision making processes.

Technology and human interaction are things that need to be advocated in institutions and professions because they have changed thinking patterns and mode of presentation. This accommodates the needs and preferences of individuals in the society, which includes the disabled and physically challenged. Technology influence on humanity has affected all sectors in marketing (private, public, off line and or on-line). This intersection has disrupted old models of business, industrial theories and systems of belief underpinning ancient knowledge and concepts (Croteau & Hoynes 305). This has promoted movement comprehension curves and results in the creation of meaning and significance from changes emerging in technology and human interaction.

Technology, on the other hand, can also affect negatively in other cases, for example, in a war, where destructive technology is used by the major technological powers of Soviet Union and United States in the cold war. They could not achieve clear victories because it would destroy everything and nothing would be left to win. In other cases, executive members of a given firm use this media (Croteau & Hoynes 306) in confronting sub-ordinate staff members and harass female counterparts’ sub-ordinate staff members and harass female counterparts sexually. This has affected working conditions negatively and hence, production is hampered.

Civilization and technology work hand in hand. Therefore, in order to achieve some of the civilization, technology has to be in place first. Some historians believe that the higher the technology the influential the civilization will be to the neighboring cultures (Murphie & Potts 21). Technology has made life easier like in the availability of ATM’s, which has made society able to access the banking services faster and conveniently. The changes currently seen in the society is due to the arising technology. For example, in the ancient history, communication used to be in the form of signs (smoke, sounds among others). Unlike today, where people communicate through email thus, negatively affecting the social life of the human community since people rarely meet.

In conclusion, technology has brought both positive and negative effects in the human community. Although it has some negative factors, we cannot do without it because it has become a requirement. In the current world, one cannot live without a mobile phone. Although, having it also have some negative factors like wave radiation, which can affect the human health after using it for long. This has also brought forth the use of other technology to reduce radiation of the wave to the human body to allow him use the mobile phone more. This shows that technology and humanity co-exist with each other.

Works Cited

Croteau, D & Hoynes, W. Media Society: Industries, Images and Audiences. Thousand Oaks: Pine Forge Press, 2003. Print

Davies, F. Technology and Business Ethics Theory. Business Ethics: A European Review vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 76-80, 2002. Print

Feenberg, A. (2003). What Is Philosophy of Technology ? Retrieved 26 April, 2012 from <http://www.sfu.ca/~andrewf/books/What_is_Philosophy_of_Technology.pdf >

Murphie, A and Potts, J. Culture and Technology . London: Palgrave, 2003. Print

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Essay on Human Rights: Samples in 500 and 1500

• Updated on  
• Dec 9, 2023

Essay writing is an integral part of the school curriculum and various academic and competitive exams like IELTS , TOEFL , SAT , UPSC , etc. It is designed to test your command of the English language and how well you can gather your thoughts and present them in a structure with a flow. To master your ability to write an essay, you must read as much as possible and practise on any given topic. This blog brings you a detailed guide on how to write an essay on Human Rights , with useful essay samples on Human rights.

This Blog Includes:

The basic human rights, 200 words essay on human rights, 500 words essay on human rights, 500+ words essay on human rights in india, 1500 words essay on human rights, importance of human rights, essay on human rights pdf.

Also Read: List of Human Rights Courses

Also Read: MSc Human Rights

Also Read: 1-Minute Speech on Human Rights for Students

What are Human Rights

Human rights mark everyone as free and equal, irrespective of age, gender, caste, creed, religion and nationality. The United Nations adopted human rights in light of the atrocities people faced during the Second World War. On the 10th of December 1948, the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR). Its adoption led to the recognition of human rights as the foundation for freedom, justice and peace for every individual. Although it’s not legally binding, most nations have incorporated these human rights into their constitutions and domestic legal frameworks. Human rights safeguard us from discrimination and guarantee that our most basic needs are protected.

Did you know that the 10th of December is celebrated as Human Rights Day ?

Before we move on to the essays on human rights, let’s check out the basics of what they are.

Also Read: What are Human Rights?

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Here is a 200-word short sample essay on basic Human Rights.

Human rights are a set of rights given to every human being regardless of their gender, caste, creed, religion, nation, location or economic status. These are said to be moral principles that illustrate certain standards of human behaviour. Protected by law , these rights are applicable everywhere and at any time. Basic human rights include the right to life, right to a fair trial, right to remedy by a competent tribunal, right to liberty and personal security, right to own property, right to education, right of peaceful assembly and association, right to marriage and family, right to nationality and freedom to change it, freedom of speech, freedom from discrimination, freedom from slavery, freedom of thought, conscience and religion, freedom of movement, right of opinion and information, right to adequate living standard and freedom from interference with privacy, family, home and correspondence.

Also Read: Law Courses

Check out this 500-word long essay on Human Rights.

Every person has dignity and value. One of the ways that we recognise the fundamental worth of every person is by acknowledging and respecting their human rights. Human rights are a set of principles concerned with equality and fairness. They recognise our freedom to make choices about our lives and develop our potential as human beings. They are about living a life free from fear, harassment or discrimination.

Human rights can broadly be defined as the basic rights that people worldwide have agreed are essential. These include the right to life, the right to a fair trial, freedom from torture and other cruel and inhuman treatment, freedom of speech, freedom of religion, and the right to health, education and an adequate standard of living. These human rights are the same for all people everywhere – men and women, young and old, rich and poor, regardless of our background, where we live, what we think or believe. This basic property is what makes human rights’ universal’.

Human rights connect us all through a shared set of rights and responsibilities. People’s ability to enjoy their human rights depends on other people respecting those rights. This means that human rights involve responsibility and duties towards other people and the community. Individuals have a responsibility to ensure that they exercise their rights with consideration for the rights of others. For example, when someone uses their right to freedom of speech, they should do so without interfering with someone else’s right to privacy.

Governments have a particular responsibility to ensure that people can enjoy their rights. They must establish and maintain laws and services that enable people to enjoy a life in which their rights are respected and protected. For example, the right to education says that everyone is entitled to a good education. Therefore, governments must provide good quality education facilities and services to their people. If the government fails to respect or protect their basic human rights, people can take it into account.

Values of tolerance, equality and respect can help reduce friction within society. Putting human rights ideas into practice can help us create the kind of society we want to live in. There has been tremendous growth in how we think about and apply human rights ideas in recent decades. This growth has had many positive results – knowledge about human rights can empower individuals and offer solutions for specific problems.

Human rights are an important part of how people interact with others at all levels of society – in the family, the community, school, workplace, politics and international relations. Therefore, people everywhere must strive to understand what human rights are. When people better understand human rights, it is easier for them to promote justice and the well-being of society. 

Also Read: Important Articles in Indian Constitution

Here is a human rights essay focused on India.

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. It has been rightly proclaimed in the American Declaration of Independence that “all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Created with certain unalienable rights….” Similarly, the Indian Constitution has ensured and enshrined Fundamental rights for all citizens irrespective of caste, creed, religion, colour, sex or nationality. These basic rights, commonly known as human rights, are recognised the world over as basic rights with which every individual is born.

In recognition of human rights, “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was made on the 10th of December, 1948. This declaration is the basic instrument of human rights. Even though this declaration has no legal bindings and authority, it forms the basis of all laws on human rights. The necessity of formulating laws to protect human rights is now being felt all over the world. According to social thinkers, the issue of human rights became very important after World War II concluded. It is important for social stability both at the national and international levels. Wherever there is a breach of human rights, there is conflict at one level or the other.

Given the increasing importance of the subject, it becomes necessary that educational institutions recognise the subject of human rights as an independent discipline. The course contents and curriculum of the discipline of human rights may vary according to the nature and circumstances of a particular institution. Still, generally, it should include the rights of a child, rights of minorities, rights of the needy and the disabled, right to live, convention on women, trafficking of women and children for sexual exploitation etc.

Since the formation of the United Nations , the promotion and protection of human rights have been its main focus. The United Nations has created a wide range of mechanisms for monitoring human rights violations. The conventional mechanisms include treaties and organisations, U.N. special reporters, representatives and experts and working groups. Asian countries like China argue in favour of collective rights. According to Chinese thinkers, European countries lay stress upon individual rights and values while Asian countries esteem collective rights and obligations to the family and society as a whole.

With the freedom movement the world over after World War II, the end of colonisation also ended the policy of apartheid and thereby the most aggressive violation of human rights. With the spread of education, women are asserting their rights. Women’s movements play an important role in spreading the message of human rights. They are fighting for their rights and supporting the struggle for human rights of other weaker and deprived sections like bonded labour, child labour, landless labour, unemployed persons, Dalits and elderly people.

Unfortunately, violation of human rights continues in most parts of the world. Ethnic cleansing and genocide can still be seen in several parts of the world. Large sections of the world population are deprived of the necessities of life i.e. food, shelter and security of life. Right to minimum basic needs viz. Work, health care, education and shelter are denied to them. These deprivations amount to the negation of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Also Read: Human Rights Courses

Check out this detailed 1500-word essay on human rights.

The human right to live and exist, the right to equality, including equality before the law, non-discrimination on the grounds of religion, race, caste, sex or place of birth, and equality of opportunity in matters of employment, the right to freedom of speech and expression, assembly, association, movement, residence, the right to practice any profession or occupation, the right against exploitation, prohibiting all forms of forced labour, child labour and trafficking in human beings, the right to freedom of conscience, practice and propagation of religion and the right to legal remedies for enforcement of the above are basic human rights. These rights and freedoms are the very foundations of democracy.

Obviously, in a democracy, the people enjoy the maximum number of freedoms and rights. Besides these are political rights, which include the right to contest an election and vote freely for a candidate of one’s choice. Human rights are a benchmark of a developed and civilised society. But rights cannot exist in a vacuum. They have their corresponding duties. Rights and duties are the two aspects of the same coin.

Liberty never means license. Rights presuppose the rule of law, where everyone in the society follows a code of conduct and behaviour for the good of all. It is the sense of duty and tolerance that gives meaning to rights. Rights have their basis in the ‘live and let live’ principle. For example, my right to speech and expression involves my duty to allow others to enjoy the same freedom of speech and expression. Rights and duties are inextricably interlinked and interdependent. A perfect balance is to be maintained between the two. Whenever there is an imbalance, there is chaos.

A sense of tolerance, propriety and adjustment is a must to enjoy rights and freedom. Human life sans basic freedom and rights is meaningless. Freedom is the most precious possession without which life would become intolerable, a mere abject and slavish existence. In this context, Milton’s famous and oft-quoted lines from his Paradise Lost come to mind: “To reign is worth ambition though in hell/Better to reign in hell, than serve in heaven.”

However, liberty cannot survive without its corresponding obligations and duties. An individual is a part of society in which he enjoys certain rights and freedom only because of the fulfilment of certain duties and obligations towards others. Thus, freedom is based on mutual respect’s rights. A fine balance must be maintained between the two, or there will be anarchy and bloodshed. Therefore, human rights can best be preserved and protected in a society steeped in morality, discipline and social order.

Violation of human rights is most common in totalitarian and despotic states. In the theocratic states, there is much persecution, and violation in the name of religion and the minorities suffer the most. Even in democracies, there is widespread violation and infringement of human rights and freedom. The women, children and the weaker sections of society are victims of these transgressions and violence.

The U.N. Commission on Human Rights’ main concern is to protect and promote human rights and freedom in the world’s nations. In its various sessions held from time to time in Geneva, it adopts various measures to encourage worldwide observations of these basic human rights and freedom. It calls on its member states to furnish information regarding measures that comply with the Universal Declaration of Human Rights whenever there is a complaint of a violation of these rights. In addition, it reviews human rights situations in various countries and initiates remedial measures when required.

The U.N. Commission was much concerned and dismayed at the apartheid being practised in South Africa till recently. The Secretary-General then declared, “The United Nations cannot tolerate apartheid. It is a legalised system of racial discrimination, violating the most basic human rights in South Africa. It contradicts the letter and spirit of the United Nations Charter. That is why over the last forty years, my predecessors and I have urged the Government of South Africa to dismantle it.”

Now, although apartheid is no longer practised in that country, other forms of apartheid are being blatantly practised worldwide. For example, sex apartheid is most rampant. Women are subject to abuse and exploitation. They are not treated equally and get less pay than their male counterparts for the same jobs. In employment, promotions, possession of property etc., they are most discriminated against. Similarly, the rights of children are not observed properly. They are forced to work hard in very dangerous situations, sexually assaulted and exploited, sold and bonded for labour.

The Commission found that religious persecution, torture, summary executions without judicial trials, intolerance, slavery-like practices, kidnapping, political disappearance, etc., are being practised even in the so-called advanced countries and societies. The continued acts of extreme violence, terrorism and extremism in various parts of the world like Pakistan, India, Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel, Somalia, Algeria, Lebanon, Chile, China, and Myanmar, etc., by the governments, terrorists, religious fundamentalists, and mafia outfits, etc., is a matter of grave concern for the entire human race.

Violation of freedom and rights by terrorist groups backed by states is one of the most difficult problems society faces. For example, Pakistan has been openly collaborating with various terrorist groups, indulging in extreme violence in India and other countries. In this regard the U.N. Human Rights Commission in Geneva adopted a significant resolution, which was co-sponsored by India, focusing on gross violation of human rights perpetrated by state-backed terrorist groups.

The resolution expressed its solidarity with the victims of terrorism and proposed that a U.N. Fund for victims of terrorism be established soon. The Indian delegation recalled that according to the Vienna Declaration, terrorism is nothing but the destruction of human rights. It shows total disregard for the lives of innocent men, women and children. The delegation further argued that terrorism cannot be treated as a mere crime because it is systematic and widespread in its killing of civilians.

Violation of human rights, whether by states, terrorists, separatist groups, armed fundamentalists or extremists, is condemnable. Regardless of the motivation, such acts should be condemned categorically in all forms and manifestations, wherever and by whomever they are committed, as acts of aggression aimed at destroying human rights, fundamental freedom and democracy. The Indian delegation also underlined concerns about the growing connection between terrorist groups and the consequent commission of serious crimes. These include rape, torture, arson, looting, murder, kidnappings, blasts, and extortion, etc.

Violation of human rights and freedom gives rise to alienation, dissatisfaction, frustration and acts of terrorism. Governments run by ambitious and self-seeking people often use repressive measures and find violence and terror an effective means of control. However, state terrorism, violence, and human freedom transgressions are very dangerous strategies. This has been the background of all revolutions in the world. Whenever there is systematic and widespread state persecution and violation of human rights, rebellion and revolution have taken place. The French, American, Russian and Chinese Revolutions are glowing examples of human history.

The first war of India’s Independence in 1857 resulted from long and systematic oppression of the Indian masses. The rapidly increasing discontent, frustration and alienation with British rule gave rise to strong national feelings and demand for political privileges and rights. Ultimately the Indian people, under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi, made the British leave India, setting the country free and independent.

Human rights and freedom ought to be preserved at all costs. Their curtailment degrades human life. The political needs of a country may reshape Human rights, but they should not be completely distorted. Tyranny, regimentation, etc., are inimical of humanity and should be resisted effectively and united. The sanctity of human values, freedom and rights must be preserved and protected. Human Rights Commissions should be established in all countries to take care of human freedom and rights. In cases of violation of human rights, affected individuals should be properly compensated, and it should be ensured that these do not take place in future.

These commissions can become effective instruments in percolating the sensitivity to human rights down to the lowest levels of governments and administrations. The formation of the National Human Rights Commission in October 1993 in India is commendable and should be followed by other countries.

Also Read: Law Courses in India

Human rights are of utmost importance to seek basic equality and human dignity. Human rights ensure that the basic needs of every human are met. They protect vulnerable groups from discrimination and abuse, allow people to stand up for themselves, and follow any religion without fear and give them the freedom to express their thoughts freely. In addition, they grant people access to basic education and equal work opportunities. Thus implementing these rights is crucial to ensure freedom, peace and safety.

Human Rights Day is annually celebrated on the 10th of December.

Human Rights Day is celebrated to commemorate the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the UNGA in 1948.

Some of the common Human Rights are the right to life and liberty, freedom of opinion and expression, freedom from slavery and torture and the right to work and education.

We hope our sample essays on Human Rights have given you some great ideas. For more information on such interesting blogs, visit our essay writing page and follow Leverage Edu .

Sonal is a creative, enthusiastic writer and editor who has worked extensively for the Study Abroad domain. She splits her time between shooting fun insta reels and learning new tools for content marketing. If she is missing from her desk, you can find her with a group of people cracking silly jokes or petting neighbourhood dogs.

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The Philippines economy in 2024: Stronger for longer?

The Philippines ended 2023 on a high note, being the fastest growing economy across Southeast Asia with a growth rate of 5.6 percent—just shy of the government's target of 6.0 to 7.0 percent. 1 “National accounts,” Philippine Statistics Authority, January 31, 2024; "Philippine economic updates,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, November 16, 2023. Should projections hold, the Philippines is expected to, once again, show significant growth in 2024, demonstrating its resilience despite various global economic pressures (Exhibit 1). 2 “Economic forecast 2024,” International Monetary Fund, November 1, 2023; McKinsey analysis.

The growth in the Philippine economy in 2023 was driven by a resumption in commercial activities, public infrastructure spending, and growth in digital financial services. Most sectors grew, with transportation and storage (13 percent), construction (9 percent), and financial services (9 percent), performing the best (Exhibit 2). 3 “National accounts,” Philippine Statistics Authority, January 31, 2024. While the country's trade deficit narrowed in 2023, it remains elevated at $52 billion due to slowing global demand and geopolitical uncertainties. 4 “Highlights of the Philippine export and import statistics,” Philippine Statistics Authority, January 28, 2024. Looking ahead to 2024, the current economic forecast for the Philippines projects a GDP growth of between 5 and 6 percent.

Inflation rates are expected to temper between 3.2 and 3.6 percent in 2024 after ending 2023 at 6.0 percent, above the 2.0 to 4.0 percent target range set by the government. 5 “Nomura downgrades Philippine 2024 growth forecast,” Nomura, September 11, 2023; “IMF raises Philippine growth rate forecast,” International Monetary Fund, July 16, 2023.

For the purposes of this article, most of the statistics used for our analysis have come from a common thread of sources. These include the Central Bank of the Philippines (Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas); the Department of Energy Philippines; the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP); and the Philippines Statistics Authority.

The state of the Philippine economy across seven major sectors and themes

In the article, we explore the 2024 outlook for seven key sectors and themes, what may affect each of them in the coming year, and what could potentially unlock continued growth.

Financial services

The recovery of the financial services sector appears on track as year-on-year growth rates stabilize. 6 Philippines Statistics Authority, November 2023; McKinsey in partnership with Oxford Economics, November 2023. In 2024, this sector will likely continue to grow, though at a slower pace of about 5 percent.

Financial inclusion and digitalization are contributing to growth in this sector in 2024, even if new challenges emerge. Various factors are expected to impact this sector:

• Inclusive finance: Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas continues to invest in financial inclusion initiatives. For example, basic deposit accounts (BDAs) reached $22 million in 2023 and banking penetration improved, with the proportion of adults with formal bank accounts increasing from 29 percent in 2019 to 56 percent in 2021. 7 “Financial inclusion dashboard: First quarter 2023,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, February 6, 2024.
• Digital adoption: Digital channels are expected to continue to grow, with data showing that 60 percent of adults who have a mobile phone and internet access have done a digital financial transaction. 8 “Financial inclusion dashboard: First quarter 2023,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, February 6, 2024. Businesses in this sector, however, will need to remain vigilant in navigating cybersecurity and fraud risks.
• Unsecured lending growth: Growth in unsecured lending is expected to continue, but at a slower pace than the past two to three years. For example, unsecured retail lending for the banking system alone grew by 27 percent annually from 2020 to 2022. 9 “Loan accounts: As of first quarter 2023,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, February 6, 2024; "Global banking pools,” McKinsey, November 2023. Businesses in this field are, however, expected to recalibrate their risk profiling models as segments with high nonperforming loans emerge.
• High interest rates: Key interest rates are expected to decline in the second half of 2024, creating more accommodating borrowing conditions that could boost wholesale and corporate loans.

Supportive frameworks have a pivotal role to play in unlocking growth in this sector to meet the ever-increasing demand from the financially underserved. For example, financial literacy programs and easier-to-access accounts—such as BDAs—are some measures that can help widen market access to financial services. Continued efforts are being made to build an open finance framework that could serve the needs of the unbanked population, as well as a unified credit scoring mechanism to increase the ability of historically under-financed segments, such as small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to access formal credit. 10 “BSP launches credit scoring model,” Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, April 26, 2023.

Energy and Power

The outlook for the energy sector seems positive, with the potential to grow by 7 percent in 2024 as the country focuses on renewable energy generation. 11 McKinsey analysis based on input from industry experts. Currently, stakeholders are focused on increasing energy security, particularly on importing liquefied natural gas (LNG) to meet power plants’ requirements as production in one of the country’s main sources of natural gas, the Malampaya gas field, declines. 12 Myrna M. Velasco, “Malampaya gas field prod’n declines steeply in 2021,” Manila Bulletin , July 9, 2022. High global inflation and the fact that the Philippines is a net fuel importer are impacting electricity prices and the build-out of planned renewable energy projects. Recent regulatory moves to remove foreign ownership limits on exploration, development, and utilization of renewable energy resources could possibly accelerate growth in the country’s energy and power sector. 13 “RA 11659,” Department of Energy Philippines, June 8, 2023.

Gas, renewables, and transmission are potential growth drivers for the sector. Upgrading power grids so that they become more flexible and better able to cope with the intermittent electricity supply that comes with renewables will be critical as the sector pivots toward renewable energy. A recent coal moratorium may position natural gas as a transition fuel—this could stimulate exploration and production investments for new, indigenous natural gas fields, gas pipeline infrastructure, and LNG import terminal projects. 14 Philippine energy plan 2020–2040, Department of Energy Philippines, June 10, 2022; Power development plan 2020–2040 , Department of Energy Philippines, 2021. The increasing momentum of green energy auctions could facilitate the development of renewables at scale, as the country targets 35 percent share of renewables by 2030. 15 Power development plan 2020–2040 , 2022.

Growth in the healthcare industry may slow to 2.8 percent in 2024, while pharmaceuticals manufacturing is expected to rebound with 5.2 percent growth in 2024. 16 McKinsey analysis in partnership with Oxford Economics.

Healthcare demand could grow, although the quality of care may be strained as the health worker shortage is projected to increase over the next five years. 17 McKinsey analysis. The supply-and-demand gap in nursing alone is forecast to reach a shortage of approximately 90,000 nurses by 2028. 18 McKinsey analysis. Another compounding factor straining healthcare is the higher than anticipated benefit utilization and rising healthcare costs, which, while helping to meet people's healthcare budgets, may continue to drive down profitability for health insurers.

Meanwhile, pharmaceutical companies are feeling varying effects of people becoming increasingly health conscious. Consumers are using more over the counter (OTC) medication and placing more beneficial value on organic health products, such as vitamins and supplements made from natural ingredients, which could impact demand for prescription drugs. 19 “Consumer health in the Philippines 2023,” Euromonitor, October 2023.

Businesses operating in this field may end up benefiting from universal healthcare policies. If initiatives are implemented that integrate healthcare systems, rationalize copayments, attract and retain talent, and incentivize investments, they could potentially help to strengthen healthcare provision and quality.

Businesses may also need to navigate an increasingly complex landscape of diverse health needs, digitization, and price controls. Digital and data transformations are being seen to facilitate improvements in healthcare delivery and access, with leading digital health apps getting more than one million downloads. 20 Google Play Store, September 27, 2023. Digitization may create an opportunity to develop healthcare ecosystems that unify touchpoints along the patient journey and provide offline-to-online care, as well as potentially realizing cost efficiencies.

Consumer and retail

Growth in the retail and wholesale trade and consumer goods sectors is projected to remain stable in 2024, at 4 percent and 5 percent, respectively.

Inflation, however, continues to put consumers under pressure. While inflation rates may fall—predicted to reach 4 percent in 2024—commodity prices may still remain elevated in the near term, a top concern for Filipinos. 21 “IMF raises Philippine growth forecast,” July 26, 2023; “Nomura downgrades Philippines 2024 growth forecast,” September 11, 2023. In response to challenging economic conditions, 92 percent of consumers have changed their shopping behaviors, and approximately 50 percent indicate that they are switching brands or retail providers in seek of promotions and better prices. 22 “Philippines consumer pulse survey, 2023,” McKinsey, November 2023.

Online shopping has become entrenched in Filipino consumers, as they find that they get access to a wider range of products, can compare prices more easily, and can shop with more convenience. For example, a McKinsey Philippines consumer sentiment survey in 2023 found that 80 percent of respondents, on average, use online and omnichannel to purchase footwear, toys, baby supplies, apparel, and accessories. To capture the opportunity that this shift in Filipino consumer preferences brings and to unlock growth in this sector, retail organizations could turn to omnichannel strategies to seamlessly integrate online and offline channels. Businesses may need to explore investments that increase resilience across the supply chain, alongside researching and developing new products that serve emerging consumer preferences, such as that for natural ingredients and sustainable sources.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing is a key contributor to the Philippine economy, contributing approximately 19 percent of GDP in 2022, employing about 7 percent of the country’s labor force, and growing in line with GDP at approximately 6 percent between 2023 and 2024. 23 McKinsey analysis based on input from industry experts.

Some changes could be seen in 2024 that might affect the sector moving forward. The focus toward building resilient supply chains and increasing self-sufficiency is growing. The Philippines also is likely to benefit from increasing regional trade, as well as the emerging trend of nearshoring or onshoring as countries seek to make their supply chains more resilient. With semiconductors driving approximately 45 percent of Philippine exports, the transfer of knowledge and technology, as well as the development of STEM capabilities, could help attract investments into the sector and increase the relevance of the country as a manufacturing hub. 24 McKinsey analysis based on input from industry experts.

To secure growth, public and private sector support could bolster investments in R&D and upskill the labor force. In addition, strategies to attract investment may be integral to the further development of supply chain infrastructure and manufacturing bases. Government programs to enable digital transformation and R&D, along with a strategic approach to upskilling the labor force, could help boost industry innovation in line with Industry 4.0 demand. 25 Industry 4.0 is also referred to as the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Priority products to which manufacturing industries could pivot include more complex, higher value chain electronic components in the semiconductor segment; generic OTC drugs and nature-based pharmaceuticals in the pharmaceutical sector; and, for green industries, products such as EVs, batteries, solar panels, and biomass production.

Information technology business process outsourcing

The information technology business process outsourcing (IT-BPO) sector is on track to reach its long-term targets, with $38 billion in forecast revenues in 2024. 26 Khriscielle Yalao, “WHF flexibility key to achieving growth targets—IBPAP,” Manila Bulletin , January 23, 2024. Emerging innovations in service delivery and work models are being observed, which could drive further growth in the sector.

The industry continues to outperform headcount and revenue targets, shaping its position as a country leader for employment and services. 27 McKinsey analysis based in input from industry experts. Demand from global companies for offshoring is expected to increase, due to cost containment strategies and preference for Philippine IT-BPO providers. New work setups continue to emerge, ranging from remote-first to office-first, which could translate to potential net benefits. These include a 10 to 30 percent increase in employee retention; a three- to four-hour reduction in commute times; an increase in enabled talent of 350,000; and a potential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of 1.4 to 1.5 million tons of CO 2 per year. 28 McKinsey analysis based in input from industry experts. It is becoming increasingly more important that the IT-BPO sector adapts to new technologies as businesses begin to harness automation and generative AI (gen AI) to unlock productivity.

Talent and technology are clear areas where growth in this sector can be unlocked. The growing complexity of offshoring requirements necessitates building a proper talent hub to help bridge employee gaps and better match local talent to employers’ needs. Businesses in the industry could explore developing facilities and digital infrastructure to enable industry expansion outside the metros, especially in future “digital cities” nationwide. Introducing new service areas could capture latent demand from existing clients with evolving needs as well as unserved clients. BPO centers could explore the potential of offering higher-value services by cultivating technology-focused capabilities, such as using gen AI to unlock revenue, deliver sales excellence, and reduce general administrative costs.

Sustainability

The Philippines is considered to be the fourth most vulnerable country to climate change in the world as, due to its geographic location, the country has a higher risk of exposure to natural disasters, such as rising sea levels. 29 “The Philippines has been ranked the fourth most vulnerable country to climate change,” Global Climate Risk Index, January 2021. Approximately $3.2 billion, on average, in economic loss could occur annually because of natural disasters over the next five decades, translating to up to 7 to 8 percent of the country’s nominal GDP. 30 “The Philippines has been ranked the fourth most vulnerable country to climate change,” Global Climate Risk Index, January 2021.

The Philippines could capitalize on five green growth opportunities to operate in global value chains and catalyze growth for the nation:

• Renewable energy: The country could aim to generate 50 percent of its energy from renewables by 2040, building on its high renewable energy potential and the declining cost of producing renewable energy.
• Solar photovoltaic (PV) manufacturing: More than a twofold increase in annual output from 2023 to 2030 could be achieved, enabled by lower production costs.
• Battery production: The Philippines could aim for a $1.5 billion domestic market by 2030, capitalizing on its vast nickel reserves (the second largest globally). 31 “MineSpans,” McKinsey, November 2023.
• Electric mobility: Electric vehicles could account for 15 percent of the country’s vehicle sales by 2030 (from less than 1 percent currently), driven by incentives, local distribution, and charging infrastructure. 32 McKinsey analysis based on input from industry experts.
• Nature-based solutions: The country’s largely untapped total abatement potential could reach up to 200 to 300 metric tons of CO 2 , enabled by its biodiversity and strong demand.

The Philippine economy: Three scenarios for growth

Having grown faster than other economies in Southeast Asia in 2023 to end the year with 5.6 percent growth, the Philippines can expect a similarly healthy growth outlook for 2024. Based on our analysis, there are three potential scenarios for the country’s growth. 33 McKinsey analysis in partnership with Oxford Economics.

Slower growth: The first scenario projects GDP growth of 4.8 percent if there are challenging conditions—such as declining trade and accelerated inflation—which could keep key policy rates high at about 6.5 percent and dampen private consumption, leading to slower long-term growth.

Soft landing: The second scenario projects GDP growth of 5.2 percent if inflation moderates and global conditions turn out to be largely favorable due to a stable investment environment and regional trade demand.

Accelerated growth: In the third scenario, GDP growth is projected to reach 6.1 percent if inflation slows and public policies accommodate aspects such as loosening key policy rates and offering incentive programs to boost productivity.

Focusing on factors that could unlock growth in its seven critical sectors and themes, while adapting to the macro-economic scenario that plays out, would allow the Philippines to materialize its growth potential in 2024 and take steps towards achieving longer-term, sustainable economic growth.

Jon Canto is a partner in McKinsey’s Manila office, where Frauke Renz is an associate partner, and Vicah Villanueva is a consultant.

The authors wish to thank Charlene Chua, Charlie del Rosario, Ryan delos Reyes, Debadrita Dhara, Evelyn C. Fong, Krzysztof Kwiatkowski, Frances Lee, Aaron Ong, and Liane Tan for their contributions to this article.

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