AI and Human Rights in the Global Pursuit of Justice and Equity

As artificial intelligence increasingly shapes global decision-making, its impact on fundamental human rights demands urgent scrutiny. This chapter explores the ethical, legal, and social implications of AI technologies through a human rights lens, examining how algorithmic systems influence civil liberties, equality, and global justice. It critically analyzes the risks posed by biased algorithms, surveillance infrastructure, and opaque decision-making, particularly for marginalized populations and low-resource nations. The chapter examines the major structural global disparities that shape AI governance, revealing the dangers of digital colonialism and the lack of representation of some perspectives in decision-making. Using global standards and real world examples, the chapter describes an ethics-based strategy for AI governance focused on fairness, accountability, transparency, and inclusivity.