نظرة عامة على البرنامج

Advanced Human Rights Course: Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights in Africa

Course Details

The course will be conducted virtually (Zoom) from 12 16 October 2026. The application deadline is 30 September 2026.

About the Course

This course explores the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and human rights, focusing on how AI impacts various human rights. The course aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to critically analyze and address the challenges and opportunities presented by the application of AI in Africa in the context of advancing and protecting human rights.

At the heart of the complexity of AI in our societies is the effect on humanity. The juxtaposed potential of AI to advance innovation that can power economic development with its potential for harming humanity, raises questions about accountability and the fundamental protection of human rights in the design, deployment, and use of AI.

Participants of this course will assist human rights duty-holders in understanding their responsibilities in relation to AI; government representatives in fulfilling their human rights obligations in a changing digital context; human rights defenders in monitoring and advocating for the protection of human rights at risk from AI; and rights holders in claiming their rights and accessing remedies and redress where rights have been violated.

Course Content

The course is structured into 15 sessions that are delivered over the course of a week, each addressing a critical aspect of AI and human rights:

• AI and Democracy in Africa
• AI and Persons with Disabilities
• AI and the Right to Privacy
• AI and Social Protection in Africa
• AI and the Future of Work in Africa
• AI and Climate Justice in Africa
• AI and National Security in Africa
• AI and the Right of Access to Information
• AI and Gender Equity
• AI and Children
• AI Governance: a Human Rights Based Approach
• AI, Privacy and the Role of Corporations
• AI and the Right to Health in Africa
• Redress & Remedy for AI Harms

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental principles of AI and the intersections with human rights.
• Analyze the impact of AI on various human rights.
• Evaluate International and African human rights frameworks and their applicability to AI governance.
• Engage in critical discussions on the social implications of AI in Africa.

Participation

Participation is limited to 25 individuals, prioritizing candidates from diverse African countries. Certificates will only be awarded to participants who have attended and actively participated in all sessions of the course. An assessment consisting of written reflection notes at the end of each day will be required.

Fees

Participation in the course online is $150 (USD).

Scholarships

A limited number of scholarships are available. These scholarships are awarded on a very competitive basis. Participants wishing to attend are required to write a short motivation for attending the course.

Important Notice

A high proficiency in English is required to attend this course. All lectures and materials are in English.

Documents to be Submitted

• Curriculum Vitae (short CV in PDF or Word document, maximum 3 pages, maximum 10 MB in file size)
• One Letter of Recommendation (PDF or Word document, maximum of 10 MB in file size)
• Motivation letter
• Academic Records (students only) (combined in one PDF or Word document, maximum 10 MB in file size)