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[Insert statement of urgency and significance for why this right relates to AI.]

Sectors #

The contributors of the AI & Human Rights Index have identified the following sectors as responsible for both using AI to protect and advance this human right.

• ENV: Environmental and Energy
  The Environmental and Energy sector encompasses organizations and entities involved in managing natural resources, producing energy, and promoting environmental sustainability. This includes environmental agencies, energy companies, renewable energy firms, sustainability organizations, urban planning departments, and waste management companies. The ENV sector plays a vital role in protecting the environment, ensuring sustainable use of resources, and transitioning to cleaner energy sources.

  ENV-AGY: Environmental Agencies

  Environmental Agencies are government bodies responsible for the protection and conservation of the environment. They develop and enforce regulations, monitor environmental quality, and oversee the management of natural resources. The environmental agency sector is accountable for ensuring that AI is used ethically to monitor and protect the environment while upholding human rights. This includes preventing AI from being used in ways that could harm ecosystems or infringe on communities' rights, particularly those of indigenous peoples and vulnerable populations. By integrating ethical considerations, they can use AI to enhance environmental protection without compromising human rights. Examples include using AI-powered systems to monitor pollution levels and enforce environmental regulations, ensuring compliance without unfairly targeting certain communities. Implementing AI tools to predict and prevent environmental disasters while engaging with affected communities to respect their rights and input.

  ENV-ENE: Energy Companies

  Energy Companies are organizations involved in the production, distribution, and sale of energy, including electricity, oil, and gas. They play a crucial role in powering economies and everyday life. These companies are accountable for ensuring that AI technologies are used to optimize energy production and distribution ethically. They must prevent AI from contributing to environmental degradation or violating human rights, such as displacing communities without consent. By adopting ethical AI practices, they can improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact. Examples include implementing AI systems for predictive maintenance of equipment to prevent spills or leaks that could harm the environment. Using AI to optimize energy grids for better efficiency, reducing waste and lowering emissions.

  ENV-RNE: Renewable Energy Firms

  Renewable Energy Firms specialize in producing energy from sustainable sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and geothermal power. They are at the forefront of efforts to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and combat climate change. These firms are accountable for using AI to advance renewable energy solutions ethically. They must ensure that AI applications do not infringe on land rights or lead to exploitation of resources in a way that harms local communities. Ethical AI use can help them maximize renewable energy production while respecting human rights. Examples include using AI to optimize the placement and operation of renewable energy installations without encroaching on protected areas or indigenous lands. Employing AI for forecasting energy production and demand to balance the grid efficiently.

  ENV-SUS: Environmental Sustainability Organizations

  Environmental Sustainability Organizations are entities focused on promoting sustainable practices and policies. They work on conservation, climate change mitigation, and advocacy for environmental protection. They are accountable for leveraging AI to enhance sustainability efforts while ensuring that such technologies do not create new inequalities or overlook marginalized groups. By using AI ethically, they can amplify their impact and promote inclusive sustainability. Examples include using AI to analyze data on environmental impacts and advocate for policy changes that benefit both the environment and vulnerable populations. Developing AI-driven tools that help businesses and communities adopt sustainable practices.

  ENV-UPL: Urban Planning Departments

  Urban Planning Departments are responsible for designing and regulating the development of urban areas. They plan for land use, infrastructure, transportation, and community development to create functional and sustainable cities. These departments are accountable for using AI in urban planning in ways that respect residents' rights and promote equitable development. They must prevent AI from reinforcing social inequalities or infringing on privacy through excessive surveillance. Ethical AI use can help them design smarter, more inclusive cities. Examples include using AI to model urban growth and plan infrastructure that benefits all residents, including underserved communities. Implementing AI systems to optimize traffic flow and reduce emissions without violating privacy through intrusive data collection.

  ENV-WMC: Waste Management Companies

  Waste Management Companies handle the collection, treatment, and disposal of waste materials. They play a critical role in maintaining public health and environmental cleanliness. These companies are accountable for using AI to improve waste management processes ethically. They must ensure that AI applications do not lead to unfair labor practices or environmental harm, such as illegal dumping in disadvantaged areas. By adopting ethical AI, they can enhance efficiency while upholding human rights. Examples include implementing AI for route optimization in waste collection to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Using AI to sort recyclable materials more effectively, reducing waste sent to landfills and promoting environmental sustainability.

  Summary

  By embracing ethical AI practices, each of these sectors can significantly contribute to the prevention of human rights abuses and the advancement of human rights in environmental and energy contexts. Their accountability lies in the responsible development, deployment, and oversight of AI technologies to protect the environment while safeguarding the rights and dignity of all people.  

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  Disclaimer: Our global network of contributors to the AI & Human Rights Index is currently writing these articles and glossary entries. This particular page is currently in the research and review stage. Please return later to see where this page is in the editorial workflow. Thank you! We look forward to learning with and from you.

• GOV: Government and Public Sector
  The Government and Public Sector encompasses all institutions and organizations that are part of the governmental framework at the local, regional, and national levels. This includes government agencies, civil registration services, economic planning bodies, public officials, public services, regulatory bodies, and government surveillance entities. The GOV sector is responsible for creating and implementing policies, providing public services, and upholding the rule of law. It plays a vital role in shaping society, promoting the welfare of citizens, and ensuring the effective functioning of the state.

  GOV-AGY: Government Agencies

  Government Agencies are administrative units of the government responsible for specific functions such as health, education, transportation, and environmental protection. They implement laws, deliver public services, and regulate various sectors. The GOV-AGY sector is accountable for ensuring that AI is used ethically in public administration. This includes promoting transparency, protecting citizens' data, and preventing biases in AI systems that could lead to unfair treatment. By integrating ethical AI practices, government agencies can enhance service delivery while upholding human rights. Examples include using AI-powered chatbots to improve citizen access to information and services while ensuring data privacy and security. Implementing AI in processing applications or claims efficiently, without discriminating against any group based on race, gender, or socioeconomic status.

  GOV-CRS: Civil Registration Services

  Civil Registration Services are responsible for recording vital events such as births, deaths, marriages, and divorces. They maintain official records essential for legal identity and access to services. These services are accountable for using AI ethically to manage and protect personal data. They must ensure that AI systems used in data processing do not compromise the privacy or security of individuals' sensitive information. Ethical AI use can improve accuracy and efficiency in maintaining civil records. Examples include employing AI to detect and correct errors in civil records, ensuring that individuals' legal identities are accurately reflected. Using AI to streamline the registration process, making it more accessible while safeguarding personal data against unauthorized access.

  GOV-ECN: Economic Planning Bodies

  Economic Planning Bodies are government entities that develop strategies for economic growth, resource allocation, and development policies. They analyze economic data to inform decision-making and promote national prosperity. The GOV-ECN sector is accountable for using AI in economic planning ethically. This involves ensuring that AI models do not perpetuate economic disparities or exclude marginalized communities from development benefits. By applying ethical AI, they can promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth. Examples include utilizing AI for economic forecasting to make informed policy decisions that benefit all segments of society. Implementing AI to assess the potential impact of economic policies on different demographics, thereby promoting equity and reducing inequality.

  GOV-PPM: Public Officials

  Public Officials include elected representatives and appointed officers who hold positions of authority within the government. They are responsible for making decisions, enacting laws, and overseeing the implementation of policies. Public officials are accountable for promoting the ethical use of AI in governance. They must ensure that AI technologies are used to enhance democratic processes, increase transparency, and protect citizens' rights. Their leadership is crucial in setting ethical standards and regulations for AI deployment. Examples include advocating for legislation that regulates AI use to prevent abuses such as mass surveillance or algorithmic discrimination. Using AI tools to engage with constituents more effectively, such as sentiment analysis on public feedback, while ensuring that such tools respect privacy and free speech rights.

  GOV-PUB: Public Services

  Public Services encompass various services provided by the government to its citizens, including healthcare, education, transportation, and public safety. These services aim to meet the needs of the public and improve quality of life. The GOV-PUB sector is accountable for integrating AI into public services ethically. This involves ensuring equitable access, preventing biases, and protecting user data. Ethical AI use can enhance service efficiency and effectiveness while respecting human rights. Examples include deploying AI in public healthcare systems to predict disease outbreaks and allocate resources efficiently, without compromising patient confidentiality. Using AI in public transportation to optimize routes and schedules, improving accessibility while safeguarding passenger data.

  GOV-REG: Regulatory Bodies

  Regulatory Bodies are government agencies tasked with overseeing specific industries or activities to ensure compliance with laws and regulations. They protect public interests by enforcing standards and addressing misconduct. These bodies are accountable for regulating the ethical use of AI across various sectors. They must develop guidelines and enforce compliance to prevent AI-related abuses, such as discrimination or privacy violations. Their role is critical in setting the framework for responsible AI deployment. Examples include establishing regulations that require transparency in AI algorithms used by companies, ensuring they do not discriminate against consumers. Monitoring and auditing AI systems to verify compliance with data protection laws and ethical standards.

  GOV-SUR: Government Surveillance

  Government Surveillance entities are responsible for monitoring activities for purposes such as national security, law enforcement, and public safety. They collect and analyze data to detect and prevent criminal activities and threats. The GOV-SUR sector is accountable for ensuring that AI used in surveillance respects human rights, including the rights to privacy and freedom of expression. They must balance security objectives with individual freedoms, adhering to legal frameworks and ethical standards. Examples include implementing AI-driven surveillance systems with strict oversight to prevent misuse and unauthorized access. Employing AI for specific, targeted investigations with appropriate warrants and legal processes, avoiding mass surveillance practices that infringe on citizens' rights.

  Summary

  By embracing ethical AI practices, each of these sectors can significantly contribute to the prevention of human rights abuses and the advancement of human rights within government and public services. Their accountability lies in the responsible development, deployment, and oversight of AI technologies to enhance governance, protect citizens, and promote transparency and fairness in public administration.  

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  Disclaimer: Our global network of contributors to the AI & Human Rights Index is currently writing these articles and glossary entries. This particular page is currently in the research and review stage. Please return later to see where this page is in the editorial workflow. Thank you! We look forward to learning with and from you.

• SOC: Social Services and Housing
  The Social Services and Housing sector encompasses organizations and agencies dedicated to providing support, assistance, and essential services to individuals and communities in need. This includes child welfare organizations, community support services, homeless shelters, housing authorities, non-profit organizations, social services, and welfare agencies. The SOC sector plays a vital role in promoting social welfare, reducing inequalities, and enhancing the quality of life for vulnerable populations.

  SOC-CHA: Child Welfare Organizations

  Child Welfare Organizations are dedicated to the well-being and protection of children. They work to prevent abuse and neglect, provide foster care and adoption services, and support families to ensure safe and nurturing environments for children. These organizations are accountable for ensuring that AI is used ethically to enhance child protection efforts while safeguarding children's rights and privacy. This includes preventing biases in AI systems that could lead to unfair treatment or discrimination against certain groups of children or families. By integrating ethical AI practices, they can improve the effectiveness of interventions and promote the best interests of the child. Examples include using AI to analyze data and identify risk factors for child abuse or neglect, enabling proactive support while ensuring data confidentiality. Implementing AI tools to match children with suitable foster families more efficiently, considering the child's needs and preferences without bias.

  SOC-COM: Community Support Services

  Community Support Services provide assistance and resources to individuals and families within a community. They address various needs, such as counseling, education, employment support, and access to healthcare. These services are accountable for using AI ethically to enhance service delivery and accessibility while respecting clients' rights and privacy. This involves preventing discrimination, ensuring inclusivity, and protecting sensitive information. Ethical AI can help tailor support to individual needs and improve outcomes. Examples include utilizing AI-driven platforms to connect community members with appropriate services and resources based on their unique circumstances, ensuring equitable access. Employing AI to analyze community needs and trends, informing program development and resource allocation without compromising individual privacy.

  SOC-HOM: Homeless Shelters

  Homeless Shelters provide temporary housing, food, and support services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. They aim to meet immediate needs and assist clients in transitioning to stable housing. These shelters are accountable for using AI ethically to improve service efficiency and support clients while protecting their dignity and rights. This includes safeguarding personal data, preventing biases in service provision, and ensuring that AI does not create barriers to access. Examples include implementing AI systems to manage shelter capacity and resources effectively, ensuring that services are available when needed without disclosing personal information. Using AI to identify patterns that lead to homelessness, informing prevention strategies and policy interventions while respecting clients' privacy.

  SOC-HOU: Housing Authorities

  Housing Authorities are government agencies or organizations that develop, manage, and provide affordable housing options for low-income individuals and families. They work to ensure access to safe, decent, and affordable housing. These authorities are accountable for using AI ethically to allocate housing resources fairly and efficiently. This involves preventing discriminatory practices in housing assignments, protecting applicants' data, and promoting transparency in decision-making processes. Examples include employing AI algorithms to assess housing applications objectively, ensuring equal opportunity regardless of race, gender, or socioeconomic status. Using AI to predict maintenance needs in housing units, improving living conditions without infringing on residents' rights.

  SOC-NPO: Non-Profit Organizations

  Non-Profit Organizations in the social services sector work to address various social issues, such as poverty, hunger, education, and healthcare. They operate based on charitable missions rather than profit motives. These organizations are accountable for using AI ethically to enhance their programs and services while upholding beneficiaries' rights. This includes ensuring inclusivity, protecting data privacy, and avoiding biases that could disadvantage certain groups. Examples include utilizing AI to optimize fundraising efforts, targeting campaigns effectively without exploiting donor data. Implementing AI-driven tools to evaluate program effectiveness, informing improvements while respecting the privacy of those served.

  SOC-SVC: Social Services

  Social Services encompass a range of government-provided services aimed at supporting individuals and families in need. This includes financial assistance, disability services, elderly care, and employment support. These services are accountable for using AI ethically to deliver support efficiently while ensuring fairness and protecting clients' rights. They must prevent biases in eligibility assessments, safeguard personal information, and ensure that AI enhances rather than hinders access to services. Examples include using AI to process applications for assistance more quickly, reducing wait times while ensuring that eligibility criteria are applied consistently and fairly. Employing AI chatbots to provide information and guidance to applicants, improving accessibility while maintaining confidentiality.

  SOC-WEL: Welfare Agencies

  Welfare Agencies are government bodies that administer public assistance programs to support the economically disadvantaged. They provide services such as income support, food assistance, and healthcare subsidies. These agencies are accountable for using AI ethically to manage welfare programs effectively while upholding the rights and dignity of beneficiaries. This involves preventing errors or biases that could lead to wrongful denial of benefits, protecting sensitive data, and ensuring transparency. Examples include implementing AI systems to detect and prevent fraud in welfare programs without unjustly targeting or penalizing legitimate beneficiaries. Using AI analytics to identify trends and needs within the population served, informing policy decisions while safeguarding individual privacy. Summar By embracing ethical AI practices, each of these sectors can significantly contribute to the prevention of human rights abuses and the advancement of human rights in social services and housing. Their accountability lies in the responsible development, deployment, and oversight of AI technologies to enhance support for vulnerable populations, promote fairness and inclusivity, and ensure that the use of AI respects the rights, dignity, and privacy of all individuals.  

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  Disclaimer: Our global network of contributors to the AI & Human Rights Index is currently writing these articles and glossary entries. This particular page is currently in the recruitment and research stage. Please return later to see where this page is in the editorial workflow. Thank you! We look forward to learning with and from you.

• WORK: Employment and Labor
  The Employment and Labor sector encompasses organizations, institutions, and entities involved in the facilitation of employment, protection of workers' rights, development of workforce skills, and management of labor relations. This includes employment agencies, government employment services, gig economy workers' associations, human resources departments, job training and placement services, labor unions, vocational training centers, and workers' rights organizations. The WORK sector plays a crucial role in promoting fair labor practices, enhancing employment opportunities, and ensuring that workers' rights are respected and upheld.

  WORK-EMP: Employment Agencies

  Employment Agencies are organizations that connect job seekers with employers. They provide services such as job placement, career counseling, and recruitment for temporary or permanent positions across various industries. These agencies are accountable for using AI ethically to match candidates with job opportunities fairly and efficiently. This involves preventing biases in AI algorithms that could discriminate against applicants based on race, gender, age, or other protected characteristics. By integrating ethical AI practices, employment agencies can promote equal employment opportunities and enhance diversity in the workplace. Examples include utilizing AI-powered applicant tracking systems that screen resumes objectively, ensuring that all qualified candidates are considered without bias. Implementing AI tools to match job seekers with suitable positions based on skills and preferences while protecting personal data and respecting privacy.

  WORK-GES: Government Employment Services

  Government Employment Services are public agencies that provide assistance to job seekers and employers. They offer services like job listings, unemployment benefits administration, career counseling, and workforce development programs. These services are accountable for using AI ethically to improve service delivery and accessibility while upholding the rights of job seekers. They must ensure that AI applications do not introduce barriers to employment or unfairly disadvantage certain groups. Ethical AI use can enhance the efficiency of employment services and support economic inclusion. Examples include employing AI to analyze labor market trends and identify sectors with job growth, informing policy decisions and training programs. Using AI-driven platforms to connect job seekers with opportunities, ensuring that services are accessible to individuals with disabilities or limited digital literacy.

  WORK-GIG: Gig Economy Workers' Associations

  Gig Economy Workers' Associations represent the interests of individuals engaged in short-term, freelance, or contract work, often facilitated through digital platforms. They advocate for fair treatment, reasonable pay, and access to benefits for gig workers. These associations are accountable for promoting ethical AI use within gig platforms to protect workers' rights. This includes ensuring that AI algorithms used for task allocation, performance evaluation, or payment do not exploit workers or perpetuate unfair practices. Examples include advocating for transparency in AI algorithms that determine job assignments or ratings, allowing workers to understand and contest decisions that affect their income. Working with platforms to implement AI systems that ensure fair distribution of work and prevent discrimination.

  WORK-HRD: Human Resources Departments

  Human Resources Departments within organizations manage employee relations, recruitment, training, benefits, and compliance with labor laws. They play a key role in shaping workplace culture and practices. These departments are accountable for using AI ethically in HR processes, such as recruitment, performance evaluation, and employee engagement. They must prevent biases in AI tools that could lead to discriminatory hiring or unfair treatment of employees. Examples include implementing AI-driven recruitment software that screens candidates based on relevant qualifications without considering irrelevant factors like gender or ethnicity. Using AI for employee feedback analysis to improve workplace conditions while ensuring confidentiality and data protection.

  WORK-JOB: Job Training and Placement Services

  Job Training and Placement Services provide education, skills development, and assistance in finding employment. They help individuals enhance their employability and connect with job opportunities. These services are accountable for using AI ethically to tailor training programs to individual needs and match candidates with suitable jobs. They must ensure that AI applications do not exclude or disadvantage certain learners and protect participants' personal information. Examples include using AI to assess skill gaps and recommend personalized training pathways, improving employment outcomes without compromising privacy. Employing AI to match trainees with employers seeking specific skills, promoting efficient job placement while ensuring fairness.

  WORK-LBU: Labor Unions

  Labor Unions are organizations that represent workers in negotiations with employers over wages, benefits, working conditions, and other employment terms. They advocate for workers' rights and interests. These unions are accountable for leveraging AI ethically to support their advocacy efforts while protecting members' rights. This includes using AI to analyze labor data without violating privacy and ensuring that AI tools do not replace human judgment in critical decisions. Examples include employing AI to identify trends in workplace issues, informing collective bargaining strategies while safeguarding members' personal information. Using AI-driven communication platforms to engage with members effectively, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.

  WORK-VTC: Vocational Training Centers

  Vocational Training Centers provide education and training focused on specific trades or professions. They equip individuals with practical skills required for particular jobs, supporting workforce development. These centers are accountable for using AI ethically to enhance learning experiences and outcomes. They must ensure that AI-powered educational tools are accessible, inclusive, and do not perpetuate biases or inequalities. Examples include implementing AI-driven tutoring systems that adapt to learners' needs, supporting diverse learning styles without compromising data privacy. Using AI analytics to track student progress and inform instructional strategies while respecting confidentiality.

  WORK-WRO: Workers' Rights Organizations

  Workers' Rights Organizations advocate for the protection and advancement of labor rights. They monitor compliance with labor laws, support workers facing discrimination or exploitation, and promote fair labor practices globally. These organizations are accountable for using AI ethically to strengthen their advocacy efforts and protect workers. This involves ensuring that AI tools respect privacy, prevent biases, and do not inadvertently harm those they aim to support. Examples include using AI to analyze large datasets on labor conditions, identifying patterns of abuse or violations without exposing individual workers to retaliation. Employing AI-powered platforms to disseminate information on workers' rights, making resources accessible to a wider audience while ensuring data security.

  Summary

  By embracing ethical AI practices, each of these sectors can significantly contribute to the prevention of human rights abuses and the advancement of human rights in employment and labor. Their accountability lies in the responsible development, deployment, and oversight of AI technologies to promote fair labor practices, enhance employment opportunities, and protect workers' rights. Through ethical AI use, they can foster inclusive workplaces, support workforce development, and ensure that technological advancements benefit all members of society.

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    Disclaimer: Our global network of contributors to the AI & Human Rights Index is currently writing these articles and glossary entries. This particular page is currently in the recruitment and research stage. Please return later to see where this page is in the editorial workflow. Thank you! We look forward to learning with and from you.

AI’s Potential Violations #

[Insert 300- to 500-word analysis of how AI could violate this human right.]

AI’s Potential Benefits #

[Insert 300- to 500-word analysis of how AI could advance this human right.]

Human Rights Instruments #

Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (2006) #

G.A. Res. 61/106, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, U.N. Doc. A/RES/61/106 (Dec. 13, 2006)

Article 19

States Parties to the present Convention recognize the equal right of all persons with disabilities to live in the community, with choices equal to others, and shall take effective and appropriate measures to facilitate full enjoyment by persons with disabilities of this right and their full inclusion and participation in the community, including by ensuring that:
(a) Persons with disabilities have the opportunity to choose their place of residence and where and with whom they live on an equal basis with others and are not obliged to live in a particular living arrangement;
(b) Persons with disabilities have access to a range of in-home, residential and other community support services, including personal assistance necessary to support living and inclusion in the community, and to prevent isolation or segregation from the community;
(c) Community services and facilities for the general population are available on an equal basis to persons with disabilities and are responsive to their needs.