A resolution on new technology's impact on human rights, whose proposal was led by Korea, was adopted by consensus (agreement without voting) on July 7 by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Shown is a scene from the council's 58th high-level session on Feb. 24 at the world body's headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. (Yonhap News)

By Lee Dasom

The United Nations (U.N.) Human Rights Council on July 7 adopted a Korea-led resolution on new technology's impact on human rights, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Seoul said.

Around 60 countries including leading council member states like Japan, Germany, France, Spain, Mexico and Chile were joint sponsors of the motion.

This is the council's first resolution on the impact of new technology such as artificial intelligence and big data on human rights.

First adopted by Korea at the 2019 council session, the resolution has since been adopted every two years, with 2025 being the fourth.

This year's edition includes a request to the Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights to hold regular sessions of U.N. affiliates on new technology, turn in reports on government and corporate responsibilities, and convene conferences with multiple stakeholders such as countries, companies, international organizations, the technology community and academia.

A ministry official said, "Given the recent increase in global interest in and related talks on the impact of technology on human rights, the resolution was adopted amid much interest from the international community like U.N. member states and organizations, civic groups, the tech sector and academia."

"As a council member for the 2025-27 term and a global power in information and communications technology, Korea will lead discussions on key agenda on human rights and play a responsible role to promote universal values such as human rights and democracy in the international community."

dlektha0319@korea.kr