Amnesty International Publishes Introduction on Defending Rights of Refugees in the Digital Age
Amnesty International has released a comprehensive briefing shedding light on the widespread and rapid implementation of digital technologies in asylum and migration management systems worldwide, including in the United States, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.
The briefing, titled Defending the Rights of Refugees and Migrants in the Digital Age, focuses on the emergence of digital technology advancements in systems that handle extensive volumes of data, and the accompanying human rights implications.
Matt Mahmoudi, Amnesty International Adviser on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights Technology, emphasized the significance of the report, stating, This publication offers an overview of key digital technology developments within asylum and migration management systems, with a specific focus on the rising adoption of digital alternatives to detention, border externalisation technologies, data software, biometrics, and algorithmic decision-making systems.
Mahmoudi expressed concerns regarding the potential adverse effects of these technologies, saying, The proliferation of these technologies risks perpetuating and reinforcing discrimination, racism, disproportionate and unlawful surveillance against racialized individuals.
The utilization of these technologies has increasingly become an urgent human rights issue, as many countries employ them in ways that violate their obligations to protect the rights of refugees and migrants.
Amnesty International’s briefing highlights the need for vigilant monitoring and oversight of digital systems to prevent violations and protect the fundamental rights of the most vulnerable populations.
The report calls for greater transparency, accountability, and stakeholder involvement in decision-making processes related to digital technology implementation. It also stresses the importance of safeguarding against discriminatory practices and biased outcomes resulting from algorithmic decision-making systems.
Amnesty International’s publication serves as an essential resource for policymakers, human rights advocates, and organizations working to protect the rights of refugees and migrants. By highlighting the potential risks and challenges associated with the digitization of asylum and migration management systems, the briefing aims to stimulate informed discussions and promote necessary reforms.
In an increasingly interconnected world, it is vital to strike a delicate balance between leveraging digital technologies for advancements in asylum and migration management, while ensuring the protection of human rights and avoiding any form of discrimination or harm.
Amnesty International’s briefing serves as a wake-up call, reminding governments and institutions to prioritize human rights and ethical considerations in their digital strategies. By doing so, they can establish fair and just systems that safeguard the rights and dignity of all individuals seeking refuge or a better life.
