UN rights chief: AI misuse and corporate influence present ‘clear and present’ challenge

This article is published in association with United Nations.

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, says major companies and fast-moving technologies are creating new challenges for tackling rights abuses – and that governments and businesses need to step up.

Opening the 14th UN Forum on Business and Human Rights in Geneva on Monday, he said that corporate power has become increasingly influential in terms of social change.

He warned that without proper checks in place, new tools like generative artificial intelligence – or AI – could easily be misused.

“When powerful tech giants introduce new technologies, such as generative artificial intelligence, human rights can be the first casualty,” he said. “Generative AI holds tremendous promise, but its exploitation for purely political or economic benefit can manipulate, distort and distract.”

He stressed that rules, safeguards and independent oversight must keep pace with innovation.

Concerns over worker exploitation

Mr. Türk also highlighted the struggles facing workers across many sectors. Migrant workers, women and people in informal jobs, remain among the most exposed to abuse.

He noted that some governments are rolling back laws that require companies to respect human rights in their operations, calling the trend “worrying” and urging States to reverse course.

He said attacks on human rights defenders who document corporate abuses are unacceptable and must end.

Climate responsibility

Turning to the climate crisis, Mr. Türk said fossil fuel companies continue to post large profits while the world’s poorest communities face rising environmental damage and displacement.

He pointed to the mixed outcome of COP30 in Belém, where many countries and activists expressed frustration at slow progress on cutting emissions.

He warned that future generations may judge inaction on climate change as a grave failure.

Courts and lawmakers pushing for stronger standards

The human rights chief noted that courts in several countries – including Brazil, the United Kingdom, the United States, Thailand and Colombia – have recently found that companies can be held accountable for human rights abuses linked to their operations, supply chains or environmental practices.

These cases show that respecting human rights is no longer optional for businesses and is increasingly backed by legal obligations.

Helpdesk initiative

To support governments, companies and civil society, the High Commissioner announced a new OHCHR Helpdesk on Business and Human Rights, which will offer guidance on implementing new UN-backed principles. 

He also reaffirmed support for ongoing negotiations toward a legally binding agreement on business and human rights.

Future at stake

Mr. Türk closed with a call for stronger global cooperation at a time he described as “an exceptionally difficult moment” for human rights systems.

He said his office needs more resources and broader backing and encouraged the creation of a Global Alliance for human rights to help keep rights at the centre of public life.

“Human rights are about – and for – all of us,” he said. “We need to make sure they guide the decisions shaping our future.”