Why artificial intelligence is a human right

This year also marks the Convention's 10th anniversary. As the artificial intelligence (AI) era inexorably unfolds across every dimension of our life, the principles enshrined in these two human rights documents can steer this great innovation in a direction that will benefit all humanity. It is essential that society reflects upon these documents and the opportunities – and some possible challenges – that AI presents to human rights, dignity and the advancement of society. "The Convention (on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities)… takes to a new height the movement from viewing persons with disabilities as'objects' of charity, medical treatment and social protection towards viewing persons with disabilities as'subjects' with rights, who are capable of claiming those rights and making decisions for their lives based on their free and informed consent as well as being active members of society..." The impact of technology innovation on inclusion and accessibility is well known: humans have always sought to augment their own capabilities. The UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities is remarkable drafting and deeply perceptive, because it pushes innovation into the realms of each person's individual expression of our shared humanity.