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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.

• BUS: Business Sectors
• GOV: Government and Public Sector
• INTL: International Organizations and Relations
• LAW: Legal and Law Enforcement
• REG: Regulatory and Oversight Bodies
• TECH: Technology and IT
• WORK: Employment and Labor

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 #

Universal Declaration of Human Rights(1948) #

G.A. Res. 217 (III) A, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, U.N. Doc. A/RES/217(III) (Dec. 10, 1948)

Article 23

1. Everyone has the right to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work and to protection against unemployment.

International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination(1965) #

G.A. Res. 2106 A (XX), International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, U.N. Doc. A/RES/2106 A(XX) (Dec. 21, 1965)

Article 5

(e) Economic, social and cultural rights, in particular:

(i) The rights to work, to free choice of employment, to just and favourable conditions of work, to protection against unemployment, to equal pay for equal work, to just and favourable remuneration;

International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights(1966) #

G.A. Res. 2200A (XXI), International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights, U.N. Doc. A/6316 (1966), 993 U.N.T.S. 3 (Dec. 16, 1966)

Article 6

1. The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right to work, which includes the right of everyone to the opportunity to gain his living by work which he freely chooses or accepts, and will take appropriate steps to safeguard this right.

Article 7

The States Parties to the present Covenant recognize the right of everyone to the enjoyment of just and favourable conditions of work which ensure, in particular:

(b) Safe and healthy working conditions;

(c) Equal opportunity for everyone to be promoted in his employment to an appropriate higher level, subject to no considerations other than those of seniority and competence;

Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women(1979) #

G.A. Res. 34/180, Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, U.N. Doc. A/RES/34/180 (Dec. 18, 1979)

Article 11

1. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to eliminate discrimination against women in the field of employment in order to ensure, on a basis of Equality

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of men and women, the same rights, in particular:

(b) The right to the same employment opportunities, including the application of the same criteria for selection in matters of employment;

(c) The right to free choice of profession and employment, the right to promotion, job Security

Security in artificial intelligence (AI) refers to the principle that AI systems must be designed to resist external threats and protect the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data and functionality. Security ensures AI systems are safeguarded against unauthorized access, manipulation, or exploitation, maintaining trust and reliability in AI technologies. This principle is particularly critical in sensitive domains such as finance, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, where vulnerabilities can have far-reaching consequences. Effective AI security emphasizes proactive measures, such as testing system resilience, sharing information about cyber threats, and implementing robust data protection strategies. Techniques like anonymization, de-identification, and data aggregation reduce risks to personal and sensitive information. Security by design—embedding security measures at every stage of an AI system’s lifecycle—is a cornerstone of this principle. This includes deploying fallback mechanisms, secure software protocols, and continuous monitoring to detect and address potential threats. These measures not only protect AI systems but also foster trust among users and stakeholders by ensuring their safe and ethical operation. Challenges to achieving AI security include the increasing complexity of AI models, the sophistication of cyber threats, and the need to balance security with transparency and usability. As AI technologies often operate across borders, international cooperation is essential to establish and enforce global security standards. Collaborative efforts among governments, private sector actors, and civil society can create unified frameworks to address cross-border threats and ensure the ethical deployment of secure AI systems. Ultimately, the principle of security safeguards individual and organizational assets while upholding broader societal trust in AI. By prioritizing security in design, deployment, and governance, developers and policymakers can ensure AI technologies serve humanity responsibly and reliably. For Further Reading Fjeld, Jessica, Nele Achten, Hannah Hilligoss, Adam Nagy, and Madhulika Srikumar. “Principled Artificial Intelligence: Mapping Consensus in Ethical and Rights-Based Approaches to Principles for AI.” Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University, Research Publication No. 2020-1, January 15, 2020.

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and all benefits and conditions of service and the right to receive vocational training and retraining, including apprenticeships, advanced vocational training and recurrent training;

(f) The right to protection of health and to Safety

Safety in artificial intelligence (AI) refers to ensuring that AI systems function reliably and as intended, without causing harm to individuals, society, or the environment. Spanning the entire AI lifecycle—from design and development to deployment and operation—safety emphasizes proactive risk management to prevent malfunctions, misuse, or harmful outcomes. By prioritizing safety, developers can foster public trust and confidence in AI technologies, particularly in critical domains like healthcare, autonomous transportation, and public infrastructure. Ensuring AI safety involves key measures such as pre-deployment testing, continuous monitoring, and robust risk assessment frameworks. Developers must evaluate both anticipated and unforeseen risks, ensuring that AI systems behave predictably, even in novel or challenging scenarios. For example, machine learning systems that adapt to new data require ongoing scrutiny to prevent harmful or unintended behaviors. Embedding safety into the design process includes integrating safeguards like fail-safe mechanisms, fallback protocols, and human oversight to address vulnerabilities and align AI systems with societal values. However, achieving AI safety presents significant challenges. Advanced AI systems, particularly those using machine learning or neural networks, can exhibit unpredictable behaviors or face unforeseen applications. Additionally, the rapid pace of AI innovation often outstrips the development of safety regulations and standards. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts among governments, private sector actors, and civil society to establish safety guidelines, enforce accountability, and promote public awareness. Collaborative approaches, such as developing international standards and sharing best practices, are essential for ensuring AI technologies serve humanity responsibly and safely. For Further Reading Fjeld, Jessica, Nele Achten, Hannah Hilligoss, Adam Nagy, and Madhulika Srikumar. “Principled Artificial Intelligence: Mapping Consensus in Ethical and Rights-Based Approaches to Principles for AI.” Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University, Research Publication No. 2020-1, January 15, 2020.  

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in working conditions, including the safeguarding of the function of reproduction.

2. In order to prevent discrimination against women on the grounds of marriage or maternity and to ensure their effective right to work, States Parties shall take appropriate measures:

(a) To prohibit, subject to the imposition of sanctions, dismissal on the grounds of pregnancy or of maternity leave and discrimination in dismissals on the basis of marital status;

International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Their Families(1990) #

G.A. Res. 45/158, International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, U.N. Doc. A/RES/45/158 (Dec. 18, 1990)

Article 25

1. Migrant workers shall enjoy treatment not less favourable than that which applies to nationals of the State of employment in respect of remuneration and:

(a) Other conditions of work, that is to say, overtime, hours of work, weekly rest, holidays with pay, Safety

Safety in artificial intelligence (AI) refers to ensuring that AI systems function reliably and as intended, without causing harm to individuals, society, or the environment. Spanning the entire AI lifecycle—from design and development to deployment and operation—safety emphasizes proactive risk management to prevent malfunctions, misuse, or harmful outcomes. By prioritizing safety, developers can foster public trust and confidence in AI technologies, particularly in critical domains like healthcare, autonomous transportation, and public infrastructure. Ensuring AI safety involves key measures such as pre-deployment testing, continuous monitoring, and robust risk assessment frameworks. Developers must evaluate both anticipated and unforeseen risks, ensuring that AI systems behave predictably, even in novel or challenging scenarios. For example, machine learning systems that adapt to new data require ongoing scrutiny to prevent harmful or unintended behaviors. Embedding safety into the design process includes integrating safeguards like fail-safe mechanisms, fallback protocols, and human oversight to address vulnerabilities and align AI systems with societal values. However, achieving AI safety presents significant challenges. Advanced AI systems, particularly those using machine learning or neural networks, can exhibit unpredictable behaviors or face unforeseen applications. Additionally, the rapid pace of AI innovation often outstrips the development of safety regulations and standards. Addressing these challenges requires coordinated efforts among governments, private sector actors, and civil society to establish safety guidelines, enforce accountability, and promote public awareness. Collaborative approaches, such as developing international standards and sharing best practices, are essential for ensuring AI technologies serve humanity responsibly and safely. For Further Reading Fjeld, Jessica, Nele Achten, Hannah Hilligoss, Adam Nagy, and Madhulika Srikumar. “Principled Artificial Intelligence: Mapping Consensus in Ethical and Rights-Based Approaches to Principles for AI.” Berkman Klein Center for Internet & Society at Harvard University, Research Publication No. 2020-1, January 15, 2020.  

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, health, termination of the employment relationship and any other conditions of work which, according to national law and practice, are covered by these terms;

2. It shall not be lawful to derogate in private contracts of employment from the principle of Equality

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of treatment referred to in paragraph 1 of the present article.

3. States Parties shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that migrant workers are not deprived of any rights derived from this principle by reason of any irregularity in their stay or employment. In particular, employers shall not be relieved of any legal or contractual obligations, nor shall their obligations be limited in any manner by reason of such irregularity.

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 27

States Parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities to work, on an equal basis with others; this includes the right to the opportunity to gain a living by work freely chosen or accepted in a labour market and work environment that is open, inclusive and accessible to persons with disabilities. States Parties shall safeguard and promote the realization of the right to work, including for those who acquire a disability during the course of employment, by taking appropriate steps, including through legislation, to, inter alia:

(a) Prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability with regard to all matters concerning all forms of employment, including conditions of recruitment, hiring and employment, continuance of employment, career advancement and safe and healthy working conditions;

(b) Protect the rights of persons with disabilities, on an equal basis with others, to just and favourable conditions of work, including equal opportunities and equal remuneration for work of equal value, safe and healthy working conditions, including protection from harassment, and the redress of grievances;

(c) Ensure that persons with disabilities are able to exercise their labour and trade union rights on an equal basis with others;

(e) Promote employment opportunities and career advancement for persons with disabilities in the labour market, as well as assistance in finding, obtaining, maintaining and returning to employment;

(f) Promote opportunities for self-employment, entrepreneurship, the development of cooperatives and starting one’s own business;

(h) Promote the employment of persons with disabilities in the private sector through appropriate policies and measures, which may include affirmative action programmes, incentives and other measures;

(i) Ensure that reasonable accommodation is provided to persons with disabilities in the workplace;

(j) Promote the acquisition by persons with disabilities of work experience in the open labour market;

States Parties shall ensure that persons with disabilities are not held in slavery or in servitude, and are protected, on an equal basis with others, from forced or compulsory labour.

Guiding on Principles and Human Rights(2011) #

H.R.C. Res. 17/4, Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: Implementing the United Nations “Protect, Respect and Remedy” Framework, U.N. Doc. A/HRC/RES/17/4 (June 16, 2011)

5. Emphasizes the importance of multi-stakeholder dialogue and analysis to maintain and build on the results achieved to date and to inform further deliberations of the Human Rights Council on business and human rights;

7. Encourages all Governments, relevant United Nations agencies, funds and programmes, treaty bodies, civil society actors, including non-governmental organizations, as well as the private sector to cooperate fully with the Working Group in the fulfilment of its mandate by, inter alia, responding favourably to visit requests by the Working Group;