Back Digitalisation, Artificial Intelligence and related challenges to human rights protection in the loop of Equality Bodies.

Istog/Istok 2-3 July 2025
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Digitalisation, Artificial Intelligence and related challenges to human rights protection in the loop of Equality Bodies.

With the active participation of 22 staff members from the Ombudsperson Institution, a two-day training session took place on in Istog/Istok, focusing on the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on non-discrimination and the evolving role of equality bodies.

The training aimed to strengthen the institutional capacity of the Ombudsperson Institution in its mandate as an equality body, especially in light of the growing influence of digital technologies and AI in everyday life.

Throughout a series of intensive and interactive sessions, participants explored key elements of the European regulatory framework, including the EU Artificial Intelligence Act and the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights . The training also addressed the Ombudsperson's role in identifying cases of discrimination and in responding to the human rights risks posed by the use of AI.

A practical exercise stimulated a lively debate about the evolving responsibilities of equality bodies in the face of rapid technological change. The question, “Do we need a new mandate for equality bodies in today’s changing world?”, resonated strongly with participants. The discussion touched on issues of institutional preparedness, the adaptability of current legal frameworks, and the need to equip equality bodies with updated tools, resources, and competencies. Data protection and citizen safety emerged as central concerns. Participants called for a comprehensive AI strategy to be developed and implemented by the authorities—one that ensures not only innovation but also security and protection of fundamental rights.

This training was organised by the action on “Combating Discrimination and Hatred”, implemented within the joint programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye

 

Horizontal Facility III

The joint European Union and Council of Europe programme “Horizontal Facility for the Western Balkans and Türkiye” (Horizontal Facility III) is a co-operation initiative, running from 2023 until 2026.

The programme covers actions in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia and Türkiye. It enables the Beneficiaries to meet their reform agendas in the fields of human rights, rule of law and democracy and to comply with European standards, which is also a priority for the EU enlargement process.

The third phase of the programme is worth €41 million (85% funded by the European Union, 15% by the Council of Europe).

*Ovaj naziv je bez prejudiciranja statusa, i u skladu je sa Rezolucijom Savjeta bezbjednosti Ujedinjenih nacija 1244 i mišljenjem Međunarodnog suda pravde o Deklaraciji o nezavisnosti Kosova.