Event

From Data to Implementation: Scaling Digital Tools for Human Rights Monitoring

The Friedrich Naumann Foundation, in cooperation with the Geneva Human Rights Hub (GHRH) and the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) will host WSIS Policy Dialogue during the WSIS Forum 2026. 

The event will take place on 8 July 2026, from 11:00 to 11:45 in Room L of the Palexpo. 

Background

The implementation of all recommendations from UN human rights mechanisms depends on accessible, interoperable and trusted digital tools. Governments, UN entities, civil society organizations and human rights defenders are increasingly using digital human rights tracking tools and databases to monitor recommendations, support reporting and follow implementation. Yet these systems often remain fragmented, operate in silos and provide uneven access, particularly for civil society and human rights defenders.

This WSIS Policy Dialogue will examine how digital tools, data systems and responsible AI can help move human rights information from data to implementation. The discussion will focus on practical experiences with existing tools, including the National Recommendations Tracking Database (NRTD) developed with OHCHR support and Uwazi-based platforms supported by HURIDOCS. It will explore how such tools can strengthen institutional coordination, improve access to information, support recommendation tracking and enable more effective follow-up.

The session will address the safeguards required to ensure that AI-supported functionalities are deployed responsibly – with attention to transparency, accountability, human oversight, data protection and inclusive access.

Panelists

Dr. Michaela Lissowsky, Director, Friedrich Naumann Foundation

Dr. Domenico Zipoli, Head of Programmes, Geneva Human Rights Hub

Marie-Eve Boyer, OHCHR

Representative, Permanent Representation of Costa Rica to the United Nations in Geneva