Event information

10 June 2024, 12:30-14:00
Register start 3 June 2024
Register end 10 June 2024

Downloads

Flyer >

The Emergence of Open-Source Information and Intelligence: What Challenges and Opportunities for UN Special Procedures?

Human Rights Conversations

Hands and Data Hands and Data

The widespread use of technologies characterises today’s reality. Mobile phones empower individuals to document human rights violations instantaneously and allow the dissemination of their materials and collected evidence across digital platforms with unprecedented speed. At the same time, publicly available images from drones or satellites can also provide an accurate record of what is happening on the ground. Amidst this scenario, Open-Source Information (OSI) and Intelligence (OSINT) emerge as helpful means for United Nations Special Procedures to expedite data collection in order to successfully fulfil their mandate, representing an avenue that could undoubtedly enhance their efficiency and impact. Nevertheless, within this promising landscape lie thorns of disparity and accessibility, challenges to information authenticity, and the spectres of disinformation and misinformation.

As OSI and OSINT present a unique opportunity to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of UN Special Procedures, the numerous complexities involved should be identified to articulate solutions in order to maximise the possible impact that OSI and OSINT can have in assisting UN independent human rights experts in pursuing their mandates’ objectives.

This Human Rights Conversation aims to explore the potential of Open-Source Information and Intelligence in advancing the work of UN Special Procedures, identifying and analysing challenges and risks, as well as assessing how they could be mitigated in order to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of UN Special Procedures.

Moderator

  • Felix Kirchmeier, Executive Director, Geneva Human Rights Platform

Panelists

  • Clément Voule, Former Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Peaceful Assembly and of Association
  • Marija Ristic, Manager, Digital Verification Corps, Amnesty International
  • Léo Martine, Senior Geospatial Analyst, Human Rights Watch
  • Francesca Restifo, Senior Human Rights Lawyer - Representative to the United Nations Geneva, International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute

About Human Rights Conversations

Human Rights Conversations are a series of events, hosted by the Geneva Human Rights Platform, aimed at discussing contemporary issues and challenges related to the promotion and protection of human rights in Geneva and beyond.

 

Disclaimer

This event may be filmed, recorded and/or photographed on behalf of the Geneva Academy. The Geneva Academy may use these recordings and photographs for internal and external communications for information, teaching and research purposes, and/or promotion and illustration through its various media channels (website, social media, newsletters, annual report, etc.).

By participating in this event, you are agreeing to the possibility of appearing in the aforementioned films, recordings and photographs, and their subsequent use by the Geneva Academy.

MORE ON THIS THEMATIC AREA

world map in data lines News

New Publication Explores the Human Rights Data Revolution

2 April 2024

The Human Rights Data Revolution details the transformation which promises to enhance the effectiveness, inclusivity, and scope of human rights monitoring and implementation worldwide.

Read more

HRMI logo News

In Highlight: The Human Rights Measurement Initiative’s Rights Tracker

26 January 2024

Via its DHRTTDs Directory, the Geneva Human Rights Platform provides a comprehensive list and description of such key tools and databases. But how to navigate them? Which tool should be used for what, and by whom? This interview helps us understand better the specificities of the January highlight of the directory: HRMI’s Rights Tracker.

Read more

Treaty Body Follow Up Sierra Leone Event

Strengthening Human Rights Through Regional Engagement: Lessons from the Treaty Body Follow-Up Review Pilot Series

28 June 2024, 13:15-14:45

This side-event to the 36th Annual Meeting of the Treaty Bodies Chairpersons aims to present the findings of the Geneva Human Rights Platform Treaty Body Follow-Up Review Pilot Series.

Read more

Digital Justice Event

Digital Bridges to Justice: Enhancing Human Rights and SDG Monitoring through Innovative Technologies

3 July 2024, 13:15-14:30

This panel discussion will showcase the transformative potential of digital technologies in monitoring and implementing SDG 16, its interlinkages with other SDGs, and UN human rights recommendations.

Read more

Garment workersto receive food from their factory during lunch time. This food is freely provided by their factory in order to ensure that workers eat healthy and hygienic food. Training

Business and Human Rights

2-6 September 2024

This training course will examine how the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights have been utilized to advance the concept of business respect for human rights throughout the UN system, the impact of the Guiding Principles on other international organizations, as well as the impact of standards and guidance developed by these different bodies.

Read more

Flyer presenting the Geneva Human Rights Platform with other publications of the Geneva Academy on display Project

GHRP Briefings

Started in January 2019

The GHRP Briefings provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to discuss the results of the United Nations (UN) Treaty Body (TB) 2020 Review and practical ways to implement change.

Read more

surveillance image of people Project

Human Rights in a Digitalized World: Mapping Risk, Strengthening Regulation and Promoting the Development of International Human Rights Law

Started in August 2023

To unpack the challenges raised by artificial intelligence, this project will target two emerging and under-researched areas: digital military technologies and neurotechnology.

Read more

Cover Page of Research Brief Publication

Between Science-Fact and Science-Fiction Innovation and Ethics in Neurotechnology

published on May 2024

Milena Costas, Timo Istace

Read more