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Among these changes is the rise of artificial intelligence (AI). A recent UNESCO survey found that 44% of judicial operators across 96 countries are already using AI tools, such as ChatGPT, for work-related tasks. In 2024, UNESCO organized and participated in multiple AI-oriented events, such as an MDP- and European Commission-supported event that focused on the role of AI in Morocco’s judicial system and training funded by the European Commission on supporting Member States in implementing UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI through Innovative Tools.  Magistrate Sara Zouhir of Morocco participated in both events and shared her hopes and concerns of integrating AI into judicial processes in Morocco and beyond.

Ms Zouhir notes that while there are benefits to using these technologies, she warns of the ethical and human rights risks they pose. These risks are particularly dangerous when it comes to decision-making processes, as AI may introduce biases and opacity. She emphasizes UNESCO’s crucial role in building the capacities of judicial actors so that they keep fundamental rights such as freedom of expression and access to information at the forefront of their work while using AI and other emerging technologies. Looking ahead, she calls for more actions centered on the ethics of artificial intelligence, such as more resources and capacity-building events, as well as peer learning and advisory support.

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly integrated into judicial systems worldwide. While many experts advocate for its expanded use, others remain skeptical about its benefits to the judiciary. What is your perspective on AI's potential impact, particularly within the legal system? 

 As said by Abraham Lincoln, "The best way to predict the future is to create it." 

The integration of AI in the legal system raises significant opportunities. AI tools can help process large volumes of case data and legal documents much faster than traditional manual methods. By analyzing patterns in past rulings, AI can contribute to more standardized interpretations of legislation and help identify trends in judicial decision-making. This could, in theory, lead to a more consistent application of the law. AI can also significantly accelerate legal research by sifting through vast databases, thereby supporting judges, lawyers, and legal scholars in uncovering relevant case law and precedents more efficiently. Furthermore, AI-based platforms might assist citizens in understanding their rights and navigating legal procedures through user-friendly interfaces, potentially democratizing access to legal resources.

2. As a magistrate in the Appeals Court of Morocco, how do you envision AI enhancing your judicial responsibilities?

 As a practitioner judge for more than 16 years, I see AI as a tool that can improve communication between different levels of the judiciary, ensuring that relevant information is shared efficiently and that appellate courts can access lower court rulings quickly.

AI can help in understanding complex legal texts by summarizing cases and extracting key points and can provide feedback on case handling and decision-making, enabling continuous professional development and enhancing the skills of magistrates.

3. A UNESCO survey revealed that 44% of judicial operators are already utilizing AI tools, such as ChatGPT, for work-related tasks. How can courts benefit from these technologies, and in what specific ways are they being applied?

 Morocco’s judiciary has already adopted AI tools to assist judges in drafting preliminary judgments for labor and traffic accident cases. Additionally, Natural Language Processing (NLP) tools streamline legal document automation, enabling faster drafting and translation of contracts in Arabic and French. These tools are invaluable in Morocco’s multilingual legal environment, where administrative burdens are considerable.

Moreover, AI-based predictive case analysis is being explored to help legal professionals anticipate outcomes based on historical data. 

4. Despite the advantages, ethical concerns arise regarding AI's role in judicial decision-making and its impact on individuals' lives and human rights. What are these concerns, including potential risks and biases, and how can they be addressed? 

 Indeed, despite its progress, Morocco, like many other countries, faces challenges in adopting AI responsibly such as algorithmic bias, which risks reinforcing social inequalities. Additionally, the opacity of many AI systems poses risks to transparency and accountability, particularly in high-stakes sectors such as law and public administration. The over-reliance on AI also raises questions about the independence of human decision-makers, such as judges and policymakers, in scenarios where AI might dominate decision-making processes. AI is not a replacement for human judges or core legal reasoning. People should remain-in-the-loop, because AI should assist, not decide

To address these challenges, Morocco must enact a comprehensive AI Governance Act, drawing inspiration from global best practices such as the EU AI Act, Canada’s Directive on Automated Decision-Making, and Singapore’s AI Governance Framework. This legislation should prioritize fairness, accountability, and human oversight while aligning with constitutional principles like Article 24-27, while adapting to Morocco’s unique cultural, socio-economic, and legal context.

Additionally, capacity building is equally critical. Policymakers, legal experts, and public administrators require specialized training in AI ethics, data protection, and legal Implications of algorithmic systems, to ensure responsible AI deployment.

5. Having participated in a capacity-building event organized by UNESCO and the Moroccan Supreme Council on artificial intelligence, access to information, and freedom of expression in the judiciary, what key takeaways did you gain to protect these rights?

Participating in a capacity-building event organized by UNESCO and the Moroccan Supreme Council on artificial intelligence (AI), access to information, and freedom of expression in the judiciary provided valuable insights and strategies to protect these fundamental rights.

The capacity-building event emphasized the importance of aligning AI implementation in the judiciary with the fundamental principles of access to information and freedom of expression.  As a magistrate, I am committed to applying these insights to ensure that AI serves as a tool for justice, equity, and the protection of human rights in Morocco.

6. How can UNESCO's resources on AI and the Rule of Law assist you in ensuring that AI technologies uphold justice, human rights, and the rule of law? 

As a judge and a professor at the Higher Institute of Magistrature (ISM), I believe that the , which is translated to several languages, including Arabic- can provide a full and efficient support to any professor teaching the AI at the ISM or at the Moroccan universities. 

UNESCO offers comprehensive guidance and frameworks, such as the . These principles guide judicial authorities and policymakers in embedding human rights standards into AI-driven practices, ensuring that justice systems remain transparent, nondiscriminatory, and accountable.

UNESCO also provides tailored training, workshops, and expert guides designed specifically for judicial officials and legal professionals. Such resources help judges and legal practitioners understand AI’s technical capabilities, limitations, and potential biases, empowering them to interpret and apply human rights standards effectively in cases involving AI-enabled systems.

Finally, UNESCO convenes global forums, seminars, and dialogues among judges, policymakers, technologists, and civil society. These interactions facilitate sharing best practices, lessons learned, and strategies for effectively safeguarding justice, human rights, and rule-of-law principles in AI development and application.

7. How can UNESCO further assist judiciary members, particularly in protecting Freedom of Expression?

UNESCO can provide technical expertise and develop clear, practical guidelines and standards on adjudicating cases involving AI-driven moderation, censorship, surveillance, or other practices. This can assist judges and courts in understanding complex AI issues, facilitating informed judicial decisions that protect freedom of expression and related human rights.

UNESCO can also foster global judicial networks dedicated to exchanging experiences, challenges, jurisprudence, and best practices related to AI and freedom of expression, strengthening judicial capabilities worldwide.

8. Why is it important to facilitate knowledge exchange and experience sharing among judicial operators concerning artificial intelligence, existing norms, and standards?

Facilitating knowledge exchange turns the challenge of integrating AI into the justice system from an individual burden into a collective, collaborative effort. It empowers judicial actors to navigate this new landscape responsibly, ensuring that technology serves, rather than destabilizes, the fundamental principles of justice.

Sharing knowledge ensures judicial operators align on interpretations of AI-related laws, reducing jurisdictional disparities and promoting uniform justice. Because the cross-border cases involving AI (e.g., cybercrime, data privacy) require harmonized standards.

Therefore, collective input ensures legal frameworks (e.g., data protection, liability for AI decisions) remain relevant and robust, balancing innovation with societal safeguards.