The impact of AI on human rights
Bern, 07.10.2026 — The 63rd session of the Human Rights Council, which has concluded in Geneva, focused on examining artificial intelligence (AI) and the risks it poses to human rights, as well as the opportunities it offers for strengthening their protection. Switzerland led a coalition of states that brought about the adoption of two resolutions on transitional justice, an area in which AI has the potential to make a major difference.
Switzerland supported two resolutions addressing the impact of AI on gender equality, non-discrimination, and combating disinformation. The aim is to counter phenomena such as the propagation of deepfakes and content related to online harassment, the spread of which has been accelerated by new technologies. These technologies must be designed to guarantee respect for the right to privacy and for the principle of non-discrimination in the use of AI in the service sector, such as in human resources or access to housing.
Transitional justice
Establishing the truth, combating impunity, reparations and guarantees of the non-recurrence of human rights violations are the four main pillars of transitional justice, which is one of Switzerland's human rights priorities. During the 63rd session, Switzerland led a group of states that brought about the adoption of two resolutions on transitional justice. Dealing with the past helps people to cope with tensions and prevent a return to violence. Following a war, transitional justice is a fundamental means of ensuring lasting peace. New technologies can have a significant part to play in such processes, specifically in documenting violations and searching for missing persons.
Geographical contexts
In the course of discussions on specific contexts, Switzerland supported renewing the mandate of the special rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Russian Federation, and reiterated its condemnation of indiscriminate drone attacks on civilians.
Switzerland also condemned the systematic use of sexual violence as a method of torture against civilians and prisoners of war in Ukraine. It supported renewing the mandate of the fact-finding mission investigating crimes committed during the conflict in Sudan.
Where work to reform the UN human rights architecture is concerned, Switzerland rallied 86 states behind its call to standardise the human rights treaty bodies' working methods to make them more rational and efficient.