China delivers a joint statement on AI for accessibility on behalf of 65 countries at the Human Rights Council

At a UN human rights session on Thursday, China called on all parties to leverage AI to advance accessibility and fully implement the council's resolution on accessibility for the full enjoyment of all human rights.

Jia Guide, China's permanent representative to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, delivered a joint statement on behalf of 65 countries at the biennial panel on technical cooperation during the 62nd session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).

The joint statement stressed that accessibility is of vital importance for the full, equal and effective enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all, including persons with disabilities, older persons and other persons in vulnerable situations.

The document outlined four proposals.

First, adhere to a development-oriented approach. By promoting accessibility through AI, inject vitality into high-quality development.

Second, promote AI for good and for all. In promoting accessibility, AI should be people-centered and enable all to jointly build and share the fruits of social development.

Third, uphold fairness and impartiality to ensure equal accessibility for diverse groups and all countries.

Fourth, advocate universal benefits and inclusiveness, bridge the digital divide and development imbalances, and promote the exchange of good practices of accessibility for all at the regional and international levels in the context of AI.

The joint statement received wide support, with Russia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Venezuela, Sudan, Cambodia, and other countries associating themselves with it, and many developing countries echoing their position in their national remarks.