Navigating Ethical and Legal Challenges – Symposium on Neurotechnologies and Human Rights
The Geneva Academy of International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights recently hosted an online symposium addressing one of the most pressing challenges at the intersection of emerging tech and human rights: the governance of neurotechnologies. Held on December 8, 2025, this panel discussion brought together international experts to explore how States, civil society, healthcare professionals and other key stakeholders can further develop existing frameworks for neurotechnology implementation and oversight while safeguarding fundamental human rights. The audience joining the symposium represented civil society and academic from across Africa, Europe, South and North America, and Asia.
Neurotechnologies have already demonstrated remarkable potential in treating neurological conditions like Parkinson’s disease, dementia, and chronic depression through techniques such as neuromodulation. However, their expansion into commercial, non-therapeutic applications raises particular concerns regarding the right to privacy, freedom of thought, freedom of expression, and non-discrimination. The symposium examined how to balance the benefits brought by scientific discovery and innovation against the risks posed to individual rights and, more broadly, to social cohesion.
The distinguished panel featured speakers from the America, Europe and Asia-Pacific regions: Dr. Karen Herrera-Ferra from the Mexican Neuroethics Association, George Kouvas from Brainscape Medical, Dr. Wendy O’Brien from UNODC, and Dr. Virginia Mahieu, the Neurotechnology Director at the Centre for Future Generations. Moderated by Dr. Jonathan Andrew of the Geneva Academy, the discussion emphasized the importance of breaking down traditional silos of knowledge and work on rights’ advocacy that has emerged between human rights lawyers, neuroscientists, clinicians and technology developers.
The symposium’s outcomes will inform the Geneva Academy’s ongoing research project on neurotechnologies and human rights, funded by the Swiss Network for International Studies, ultimately contributing to the final report due later this month on developing more cogent, holistic approaches to devise legal frameworks that ensure responsible neurotechnology implementation worldwide.