Resolution on the need to undertake a Study on human and peoples’ rights and artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and other new and emerging technologies in Africa - ACHPR/Res. 473 (EXT.OS/ XXXI) 2021
This resolution by the African Commission on Human and Peoples' Rights addresses the human rights opportunities and challenges presented by artificial intelligence, robotics, and emerging technologies in Africa. It calls on State Parties to ensure that such technologies comply with the African Charter, uphold human dignity and privacy, and remain under meaningful human control. Additionally, the Commission commits to undertaking a comprehensive study on the impact of these technologies on human and peoples' rights across the continent.
Summary and content fields are drawn from the document text and are pending editorial review.
Who issued it
Who it governs
State parties, policymakers, and researchers looking to understand the intersection of emerging technologies and human rights in Africa.
What the document contains
The document addresses the human rights implications of artificial intelligence, robotics, and emerging technologies in Africa, focusing on issues like data protection, misinformation, algorithmic bias, autonomous systems, and the need for a comprehensive regional governance framework.
It lacks specific technical definitions, concrete regulatory enforcement mechanisms, and detailed compliance procedures for private companies.
- New and emerging technologies present both opportunities and challenges for human rights protection in Africa.
- State Parties are urged to ensure AI technologies comply with the African Charter and regional human rights instruments.
- Technologies with far-reaching consequences must remain under meaningful human control.
- The Commission commits to conducting a study on the impact of AI and robotics on human and peoples' rights in Africa.
Not stated
How it scores
Each score is backed by a quote verified against the document text. Editorial review has not yet confirmed them.
Accountability
2/5Clear responsibility for AI outcomes
uphold human dignity, privacy, equality, non-discrimination, inclusion, diversity, safety, fairness, transparency, accountability and economic development
THE COMMISSION: 1.
screening score · 2026-10-23
Fairness
2/5Non-discrimination and equitable treatment
need for institutingsufficient frameworks in Africa to ensure equal and fair distribution of AI benefits in a way that does not exacerbate inequalities
Background / Preamble
screening score · 2026-10-23
Human Oversight
3/5Humans remain in control of consequential decisions
Appeals to State Parties to ensure that all AI technologies, robotics and other new and emerging technologies which have far reaching consequences for humans must remain under meaningful human control
THE COMMISSION: 6.
screening score · 2026-10-23
Privacy
2/5Protection of personal data and private life
development and uses of AI technologies, robotics and other new and emerging technologies have far-reaching consequences on human rights in general, including the right to privacy
Background / Preamble
screening score · 2026-10-23
Transparency
3/5Openness about how AI systems work and are used
Urges State Parties to ensure transparency in the use of AI technologies, robotics and other new and emerging technologies and that decisions made in the use of AI technologies, robotics and other new and emerging technologies are easily understandable to those affected by such decisions.
THE COMMISSION: 3.
screening score · 2026-10-23
Enforcement
1/5Consequences and compliance mechanisms with real force
Calls on State Parties to ensure that the development and use of AI, robotics and other new and emerging technologies is compatible with the rights and duties
THE COMMISSION: 1.
screening score · 2026-10-23
Impact Assessment
2/5Required assessment of an AI system's risks/impacts before or during use
Recognising the need to undertake a Study on the impact of AI, robotics and other new and emerging technologies, on human and peoples' rights in Africa
THE COMMISSION
screening score · 2026-10-23