UNDP trains Uzbek human rights defenders in the safe use of artificial intelligence

UNDP trains Uzbek human rights defenders on safe use of artificial intelligence

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Uzbekistan and the Office of the Ombudsman organized a two-day training program on the responsible and effective use of artificial intelligence in the field of human rights protection. According to the UNDP office in Uzbekistan, the training took place on August 24-25, 2026, with the participation of human rights institutions, civil society representatives and digital governance experts.

The main objective of the program was to study the possibilities of using artificial intelligence technologies in the daily activities of the Ombudsman's Office, as well as to discuss the legal and ethical requirements that should be taken into account when implementing them. Participants were introduced to the basic principles of artificial intelligence, the rules for its responsible use, methods for developing effective surveys, and international standards in the field of human rights.

A separate part of the training program was devoted to the Human Rights Impact Assessment (HRIA) of Artificial Intelligence. Using practical examples, participants examined the possible consequences of the use of AI for different groups of the population. In particular, the possibility of disproportionate impact on certain categories of individuals, necessary safeguards and mechanisms for appealing against decisions made on the basis of such technologies were discussed in detail.

Ainura Bekkoyenova, a specialist in the rule of law, security and human rights policy at the UNDP Regional Center for Europe and Central Asia, said: “Artificial intelligence offers great opportunities to make human rights protection more effective, accessible and efficient. At the same time, its use requires reliable guarantees to prevent discrimination, protect confidentiality and ensure accountability.”

The practical part of the training was devoted to specific areas of use of AI in the activities of human rights institutions. Participants considered the possibilities of using technologies to process and categorize citizens' appeals, identify trends, summarize data on individual cases, and prepare responses.

At the same time, during the training, attention was paid not only to the advantages of new technologies, but also to the risks associated with them. Participants discussed the issues of confidentiality and security of information, institutional readiness, ethical constraints, and responsibility when using artificial intelligence in state and law enforcement processes.

Special attention was also paid to the issue of using artificial intelligence tools to increase the convenience and inclusiveness of communication, legal education, and information and explanatory work. Women, youth, persons with disabilities, and rural communities were mentioned as potential target groups.

The program also discussed broader issues of digital transformation in Uzbekistan. Representatives of UNDP, the Office of the Ombudsman, civil society and the expert community exchanged views on opportunities for cooperation, data and security requirements, as well as the necessary institutional conditions for the responsible implementation of artificial intelligence technologies.

The training concluded with an interactive workshop, during which participants outlined practical steps for implementing artificial intelligence in their institutions. These included developing ethical constraints, ensuring security measures and preparing potential initiatives.

UNDP and the Office of the Ombudsman assess the program as part of a broader effort to strengthen the capacity of human rights institutions in the context of developing digital technologies. Particular attention is paid to ensuring that the use of artificial intelligence in Uzbekistan complies with the principles of human rights protection, inclusion, accountability and responsible innovation.