The Human Rights Council’s Interpretative and Guidance Role in the Digital Age: Lessons from Two Decades and Priorities for its Human Rights Ecosystem

The following briefing paper draw on the reflections and exchanges facilitated through the HRC@20 / GHRH 2026 Annual Conference and contribute to the broader discussion, looking both at what can be learned from the Council’s experience as well as recommendations for its future role.

This paper details the Human Rights Council’s evolving role in addressing the human rights implications of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence, while also considering how digital transformation can strengthen its work.