United Nations University

United Nations University researchers argue that efforts to regulate artificial intelligence should be grounded in human rights law rather than starting from scratch. The piece contends that existing international human rights frameworks already offer states tools to address harms from AI, including discrimination, surveillance and due process concerns. It calls on governments to anchor emerging AI governance rules in rights-based obligations.

The United Nations has declared September 29 as the International Day for Universal Access to Information. The designation gives global recognition to the right of the public to seek and receive information, including from governments and public bodies. Observers see it as a boost for transparency, press freedom and open-government efforts, and it is expected to be marked annually with events promoting access-to-information laws worldwide.

The International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) has delivered an oral statement at the adoption of the Universal Periodic Review of Singapore at the United Nations Human Rights Council. The UPR process involves UN member states reviewing each other's human rights records and accepting or rejecting recommendations. FIDH's statement likely addresses Singapore's human rights situation and its response to the review's recommendations, though further details are not available.

Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University, visited UNU-EGOV, the university's operating unit on electronic governance based in Guimarães, Portugal. The visit highlights the university's focus on digital governance research. Details of what was discussed during the trip have not been released.