Komnas HAM hosted a Regional Conference on “Human Rights in the Digital Space: Emerging Challenges and the Role of NHRIs,” Jakarta, 18 November 2025.
The Regional Conference examined emerging human rights challenges in the digital environment and the evolving role of NHRIs in addressing these issues in line with their mandates. Participants included Commissioners and representatives of SEANF member institutions—SUHAKAM (Malaysia), CHRP (Philippines), NHRCT (Thailand), MNHRC (Myanmar), and PDHJ (Timor-Leste)—as well as representatives of government ministries and agencies, diplomatic missions, civil society organizations, and academia.
In her opening address, Komnas HAM Chairperson Anis Hidayah highlighted the increasing complexity of human rights protection and fulfilment in the digital space and emphasized the responsibility of NHRIs to protect and monitor human rights in digital contexts. A keynote address was delivered via recorded video by Anita Ashvini Wahid, Indonesia’s Representative to AICHR. She outlined current regional human rights developments in the digital sphere, identified opportunities for the development of regional legal frameworks or instruments, and underscored the importance of enhanced cooperation among relevant stakeholders, including AICHR and SEANF, in responding to digital human rights challenges.
This Conference was structured around three thematic sessions: (i) Promoting Protection of Freedom of Expression; (ii) Practical Application of the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights to the Activities of Technology Companies, including Artificial Intelligence and Data Protection; and (iii) Human Rights Protection in the Digital Space for Vulnerable Groups.
The conference concluded with the adoption of recommendations and conclusions presented by SEANF member institutions. These underscored the need for strengthened protection of human rights in the digital space through government commitments to regulate digital technologies in accordance with international human rights standards. The recommendations also highlighted the role of civil society in monitoring the integration of human rights principles into digital governance frameworks, and called on businesses in the information and communications technology sector to undertake human rights due diligence, mitigate digital-related risks, and uphold transparency, ethical standards, and accountability across their operations. (SNF)
