Ms. Amina Bouayach, Chairperson of the National Human Rights Council (CNDH), stressed that human rights must be at the core of artificial intelligence governance, warning that technological innovation must never come at the expense of human dignity and fundamental freedoms.

Speaking at the opening of a high-level international conference on human rights in the digital age and artificial intelligence, held in Athens on October 14, 2026, Ms. Bouayach, in her capacity as Chairperson of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI), highlighted the growing responsibilities facing governments and institutions as technology continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace.

She highlighted that AI and digital technologies offer significant opportunities to improve public services, expand access to rights and promote inclusion. However, “they can also deepen inequalities, undermine fundamental rights and freedoms, and create new forms of abuse.”

Ms. Bouayach emphasized that human rights are universal and must be respected in every sphere, including the digital world. The challenge, she said, goes beyond technological progress itself; it lies in the political and legal choices that shape how these technologies are developed and used.

She also raised concerns about the spread of disinformation, deepfakes and biased algorithms, as well as the excessive use of facial recognition technology, all of which can threaten the right to privacy and the principles of equality and non-discrimination.

The CNDH Chairperson called for stronger accountability, meaningful human oversight and clearer lines of responsibility in the development and use of AI systems. "These systems must undergo regular human rights impact assessments before they are deployed and throughout their lifecycle.”

She added that national human rights institutions have a crucial role to play in translating international commitments into concrete action. This includes monitoring violations, advising public authorities and helping shape legislation and public policy.

Concluding her remarks, Ms. Bouayach reaffirmed that commitment to human rights is not optional, calling on governments and institutions to ensure that technological progress serves humanity, advances justice and fosters inclusion, rather than becoming another source of violations of fundamental rights.