IGF 2022 WS #330 Safeguarding Human Rights: Digital Activities of Development

Organizer 1: Jonathan ANDREW, Danish Institute for Human Rights
Organizer 2: Cathrine Bloch Veiberg, Danish Institute for Human Rights

Speaker 1: Cathrine Bloch Veiberg, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 2: Peter Drahn, Government, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)
Speaker 3: Annika Engelbert, Government, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Moderator

Cathrine Bloch Veiberg, Technical Community, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Online Moderator

Jonathan ANDREW, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Rapporteur

Jonathan ANDREW, Civil Society, Western European and Others Group (WEOG)

Format

Debate - Auditorium - 60 Min

Policy Question(s)

- How can organisations, public or private, develop D4D projects while ensuring that human rights are respected?

- How can organisations experienced in identifying and addressing human rights risks of traditional development projects be assisted in developing awareness of the new risks that digital solutions present?

Connection with previous Messages:

SDGs

16.b
17.6
17.9


Targets: The objectives of the session support a number of the SDGs, including the promotion of capacity building with regard to enhancing international support for implementing effective and targeted capacity-building in developing countries. In addition, the session assists the development of coherent strategies to support the rollout of digital for development (D4D) projects that align with promoting non-discriminatory laws and policies for sustainable development.

Description:

Modern life is increasingly driven by digital technologies. As digitalisation increases globally, governments and businesses have seen how digital tools can provide solutions to human rights issues in developing economies. This has led to increased investments in the development and implementation of digital solutions and projects aimed at contributing to the sustainable development goals (i.e. digital for development (D4D) projects).
Such projects are however not risk-free, and as organisations, public or private, develop D4D projects they must be weary of the human rights risks and real-life impacts involved. Moreover, while these organisations might be experienced in identifying and addressing human rights risks of traditional development projects, there is a need to recognise the new risks that digital solutions present.

Expected Outcomes

This session aims to contribute toward developing knowledge through achieving the following objectives:
• Present perspectives in development cooperation and from finance actors
• Share perspectives from civil society
• Share tools and resources to identify and manage risks and impacts

Hybrid Format: Prior to the session, participants will be able to engage with materials – including tools, practice examples etc. from the various speakers. During the session the moderator and panellists will pose questions to the audience, and online polls and voting systems will be used to capture input on key questions from the onsite and online participants.

Online Participation



Usage of IGF Official Tool.