Call for submissions: Report to the United Nations on digital technology, social protection and human rights
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights (Special Rapporteur) has called for submissions for his upcoming thematic report to the United Nations General Assembly, which will focus on the human rights impacts of the introduction of digital technologies in the implementation of national social protection systems, especially on those living in poverty.
The deadline for submissions is 18h00 (GMT+2) on 17 May 2019, and should be emailed to [email protected]. Submissions should be limited to a maximum of 2 500 words.
The Special Rapporteur seeks comment on one or more of the following issues (set out in more detail in the call for submissions):
- Specific case studies involving the introduction of digital technologies in national social protection systems, and the impact of such technologies on those systems.
- Lessons that can be learned from the ways in which digital technologies have been introduced in other parts of government, such as policing, courts, immigration, border control and intelligence.
- The human rights concerns that might arise in connection with the introduction of digital technologies in social protection systems.
- The contextual circumstances that affect the impact of digital technologies in specific social protection systems on human rights.
- Any specific recommendations about addressing the human rights risks involved in the introduction of digital technologies in social protection systems, as well as maximising positive human rights outcomes.
The call for submissions (via the United Nations website) is accessible here.
Please note: The information contained in this note is for general guidance on matters of interest, and does not constitute legal advice. For any enquiries, please contact us at [email protected].
