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In a pivotal step towards aligning technological advancement with the protection of human rights, 25 judges and judicial professionals from 13 African nations have convened in Nairobi, Kenya for a groundbreaking three-day workshop from 19 to 21 November on artificial intelligence (AI), the rule of law, freedom of expression, journalist safety, and access to information in alignment with international human rights standards. The workshop is organised by UNESCO in collaboration with the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights and the East African Court of Justice.

This initiative is part of UNESCO’s broader commitment to equipping judicial actors to navigate the complex intersection of AI and law. Guided by UNESCO's Global Toolkit on AI and the Rule of Law, the workshop aims to help judicial systems harness the benefits of AI such as addressing challenges such as court backlogs while upholding justice and civic freedoms. 

Renowned experts such as Dr. Jake Okechukwu Effoduh, Assistant Professor of AI and Law at Toronto Metropolitan University, and Florence Anyango Ogonjo, Advocate of the High Court of Kenya who will lead 11 in-depth sessions. Topics range from the fundamentals of AI to its implications for governance and human rights, providing participants with practical knowledge and actionable skills. 

As technological advancements redefine freedom of expression, the judiciary plays a pivotal role in balancing innovation with accountability. "Courts must rise to the challenge of preserving democracy through freedom of expression," emphasized Prof. Sègnonna Horace Adjolohoun, Head of Legal Division of the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights in his opening remarks on behalf of the Court's President, Hon. Justice Imani D. Aboud. "Whether ensuring access to digital platforms during elections or guarding against arbitrary internet shutdowns, the judiciary must balance innovation with accountability to uphold rights enshrined in the African Charter", Prof. Adjolohoun stressed.

A key focus of the workshop is on the ethical use of AI and its alignment with international human rights standards. Through practical demonstrations and real-world case studies, participants will explore how AI-informed decision-making can be responsibly integrated into judicial systems. The workshop addresses Africa's unique judicial challenges, such as significant court backlogs. In Kenya alone, over six million cases are pending, while Ethiopia faces delays in over Four hundred forty-four thousand civil cases.  “AI technologies hold the transformative potential to streamline case management and accelerate judicial processes," stated Misako Ito, UNESCO’s Regional Adviser for Communication and Information in Africa. "Equipping the judiciary with the tools and knowledge to navigate its complexities ensures justice remains robust and human rights are safeguarded." 

Building on the momentum from UNESCO's September consultation with Eastern African judicial actors on the Draft Guidelines for the Use of AI in Courts and Tribunals, this landmark training underscores the African judiciary's commitment to leveraging technology for justice while safeguarding civic freedoms. Participants will also assess the governance frameworks required to implement AI ethically, ensuring that African courts lead in adopting responsible AI practices. 

The training is funded by the European Commission project on Supporting Member States in Implementing UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI through Innovative Tools and is being organised with the financial support of the European Union and the Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists.

About the MDP
The Multi-Donor Programme on Freedom of Expression and Safety of Journalists (MDP) serves to further strengthen UNESCO’s work by channelling funds towards emerging priorities and the most pressing needs to achieve its mandate on freedom of expression, media development, and media and information literacy. Visit the website for more information.