United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk
At
Event during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, New York
Today’s children are the first generation to grow up with artificial intelligence – but often the last to be asked about it.
So, my Office asked them.
Together with our partners, we surveyed more than a thousand children in 49 countries about their concerns around AI.
Children told us they worry about AI being used to create fake images of real people; to exploit their private data; to reduce their creativity; and to replace real-life relationships with their families, friends, teachers, or therapists.
Crucially, they want to be heard before decisions are taken – not after.
Is this happening? Are children being heard?
The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most widely ratified human rights treaty in the world today. It is, one should also mention, legally binding not just for states, but with clear responsibilities for the corporate sector and in particular, the tech companies.
The duty to respect children’s rights – and all our rights – lies with those building AI. It includes human rights due diligence before release; transparency; and independent verification.
And it relies on governments enforcing laws. Voluntary commitments are simply not enough.
We welcome the Coalition’s Roadmap, pointing to international guidance on rights-based AI for children and young people. Every AI product needs to be required to clear a high bar before it reaches a child. We all are there to support these efforts and you have heard our voices. Ther is one clear message:
Children’s rights apply to AI, as they apply everywhere.
Thank you.