Rabat — The President of Morocco’s National Human Rights Council and President of the Global Association of National Human Rights Institutions (GANHRI) called on international stakeholders on Wednesday to put human rights at the heart of digital innovation, warning that emerging technologies pose both opportunities and risks for the global community.
Amina Bouayach made the remarks while speaking at the GANHRI 2026 Annual Conference at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, highlighting the growing influence of artificial intelligence and digital tools in everyday life, from communication and work to public participation.
The conference, attended by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and President of the Human Rights Council Siddart Riza Seradipura, aimed to strengthen cooperation between national institutions and the UN to protect rights in the digital age.
“While these technologies can expand access to rights and improve public services, they can also deepen inequalities, threaten freedoms and expose individuals to new risks,” she said.
Bouayatti emphasized the responsibility of governments, technology companies and human rights organizations to ensure the ethical use of digital tools. The CNDH chief warned against unchecked technologies such as facial recognition and algorithmic systems that could undermine fundamental rights without appropriate safeguards. She also called for the recognition and protection of content moderators and data annotators who support the digital ecosystem.
Framing the debate as a choice between passive adoption and active governance, the president said: “It’s not technology that will decide our future, it’s us. We must make the right choices and lead the transformation towards dignity, justice and inclusion.”
Her remarks placed Morocco in a leading position advocating for the responsible use of AI and digital inclusion, and reinforced the country’s growing role in international human rights work.
Digital inclusion and equity
Bouayatti stressed that access to AI and digital technologies must be fair. She warned against creating a “digital elite” and urged policymakers to ensure vulnerable communities also benefit from technological advances.
Her remarks reinforced Morocco’s growing international role in responsible AI and defending digital rights, and highlighted the country’s commitment to shaping global governance frameworks and promoting international cooperation.
Bouayatti concluded by emphasizing the importance of global coordination, noting that challenges such as algorithmic bias and disinformation require collective action from states, UN agencies, civil society and private technology companies.
