Addressing the Massive Impact Digital Surveillance has on Human Rights Worldwide
The committee of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) focuses on protecting Human Rights and ensuring the improvement of life worldwide. In this case, security was challenged with the mass implementation of surveillance technologies.
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In the last couple of years, there's been a substantial increase in the implementation of facial recognition as surveillance technology worldwide, although it is an effective tool that can help monitor and enhance national security. The implementation of these machines faces an ethical dilemma through the human lens. As the use of surveillance has gone beyond security purposes, it has been used irresponsibly. Challenging the Universal Principles of Human Rights, as they violate the rights like privacy, freedom of expression, and equality worldwide.
As the committee starts a productive fourth session, where they start drafting the final resolution in order to solve the issue, they will face several challenges.
It raises questions on how the committee will work together as they manage to resolve the issues, having known that some countries are dependent on the use of digital surveillance.
For example, China utilizes this technology to its favor, as the global leader in technology, its governance remains crucial. Although the country has received criticism in the past for its handling of information, China has implemented a Legislation Law, like the Personal Information Protection Law (in effect since November of 2021) and the Data Security Law (since September of 2021). These are implemented to protect the personal privacy of the civilians, and introduce harsh sanctions that would challenge security breaches or violate the personal data of the user.
A New Approach
The resolution paper should be able to address how fairness and digital responsibility can be established by creating fair rules in surveillance technologies. It will ensure public safety while establishing legal frameworks to protect individuals' rights such as, privacy, freedom of expression, and equality.
As the sponsors presented their resolution paper, they addressed the ideas that could help protect the security of the civilians. Ideas like establishing a certification system would be detrimental in order to make sure countries follow the legal frameworks, ensuring the privacy and confidentiality of civilians.
The sponsors addressed the importance of assessing and implementing awareness campaigns in countries with low economic resources. Therefore, informing on the pressing issue and making it well-known worldwide. Otherwise, it would be a great marginalization, limiting the information regarding the topic.
A last solution would establish consequences, as the irresponsible use of the technology could imply detrimental sanctions, and according to the sponsors, it could lead to a suspended use of the technology. However, a rising concern by the delegation of Canada, questioned the effectiveness of the sanction, as it would cause a breach of national security that would leave personal data exposed. Causing more harm than good.
Regardless, the committee of the United Nations Human Rights Council is devoted to strengthening global security by protecting the Human Rights of civilians.
The delegate of Argentina asked the sponsors for a further explanation on where the US and Venezuela stand on their previous delicate political situations.
The sponsor explained that one of their aims is that after the problem ceases, the US and Venezuela should sign a treaty that states cooperation between delegations. It sounds like a thrilling treatment for their counties, but during the resolution reading the sponsors did not mention it. So, are both delegations planning to have a peaceful treaty in the future or was the sponsor trying to cover up something else?
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The committee should focus on the protection of Human rights during the deportations of individuals. Delegates should study their countries antecedents and prevent future tensions to grow since the US and El Salvador were not a great example of international cooperation.
CJPA should arrive at a resolution that will protect civilians from migration catastrophes, deportations to follow human rights measurements and treaties that prevent country's deaths while these happen ( in economical and relevance aspects ).
