Held in the context of the 2026 Annual Meeting of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions, this session will explore tools, mechanisms, and guidance developed within the UN system which focus on protecting, promoting and upholding human rights in the digital space.
Purpose and objectives
The session will the session will:
- Showcase UNESCO’s and OHCHR’s tools, approaches and initiatives that advance human rights online, presenting evidence‑based frameworks, country applications and practical resources that support transparent, inclusive and rights‑respecting digital governance.
- Collect recommendations and suggestions from NHRIs on how these tools can further support
their work. - Highlight concrete institutional experiences and practices in addressing digital‑related human
rights concerns, including examples of advisory work, policy engagement, collaboration with
public authorities and private actors, and initiatives that strengthen the protection of rights
online across different national contexts. - Facilitate peer learning and open exchange, enabling participants to share
challenges, lessons learned and innovative approaches from their respective contexts, and to
explore opportunities for strengthened cooperation and collective action.
Moderator
Ms. Sorina Teleanu, Director of Knowledge, Diplo
Speakers
Mr. Guilherme Canela, Director, Division for Digital Inclusion and Policies and Digital Transformation, UNESCO
Ms. Pamela Towela Sambo, Chairperson, Human Rights Commission of Zambia
Ms. Birgit Kainz-Labbe, Coordinator, Civic Space Unit, Thematic Engagement Division, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
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