UN experts warn AI systems could reinforce discrimination against persons with disabilities
Addressing the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, UN experts highlighted the risks of developing AI without the participation of persons with disabilities. They called for accessible design, human oversight and safeguards to protect disability rights, privacy and autonomy.
UN experts have warned that artificial intelligence (AI) systems developed without the participation of persons with disabilities could reinforce existing discrimination, restrict opportunities and undermine individual privacy and autonomy.
Speaking before the UN General Assembly’s Third Committee, Miyeon Kim, Chair of the Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, acknowledged AI’s potential to improve accessibility and support independent living. However, she stressed that its development and deployment must respect the rights of persons with disabilities.
Kim called on states to require accessible design, assess the impact of AI systems on disability rights and ensure appropriate human oversight and access to remedies. She also highlighted the importance of making inclusive technologies affordable and available in developing countries.
The discussion extended to the use of AI in warfare. Kim stressed that human control and accountability must be maintained, with the protection of civilians, including persons with disabilities, guiding decisions.
Heba Hagrass, UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, drew attention to barriers faced by persons with disabilities during armed conflicts and disasters. Inaccessible information, evacuation procedures that fail to account for disability-related needs and unsuitable shelters can prevent people from receiving life-saving assistance.
Hagrass also highlighted the lack of disability-disaggregated data, which makes it harder to identify people who are being left behind. She noted that persons with disabilities are often consulted only after major humanitarian decisions have already been made.
Country representatives also discussed national efforts to improve disability inclusion, including accessible disaster preparedness, better disability data and monitoring, and access to assistive technologies during humanitarian emergencies.
