CSW70 Side Event on Automating Justice: Can Artificial Intelligence Increase Women’s and Girl’s Access to Justice?

Automating Justice: 

Can Artificial Intelligence Increase Women’s and Girls’ Access to Justice? 

10 March 2026 | 13:15-14:30 PM EST | Conference Room 2 | UN Headquarters, NY

Concept Note 

1. Background 

Artificial intelligence tools are increasingly used in core governance functions, including in key political and judicial decision-making forums. Such use carries with it broad implications for women's and girls' human rights, including in access to justice. This CSW side event, convened by the UN Working Group on discrimination against women and girls and co-sponsored by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations, the European Union, and the Permanent Mission of Estonia to the United Nations. 

The event will examine how AI tools—from algorithmic risk assessments, predictive policing, automated social-protection systems, and automated case management and other tools—often reproduce and risk entrenching existing gender inequalities. While proponents of AI in improving women's access to justice have highlighted the possible opportunities of its use to expand access to legal information, strengthen accountability, and support survivors of violence, its rapid development and deployment absent international regulation, transparency, and accountability has undoubtedly reproduced discriminatory patterns and systems. The event seeks to examine how these current gaps impact the potential for women and girls to positively benefit from the use of AI tools in improving access to justice, including amidst its use for amplified surveillance and exclusion, and compounding human rights impacts on women and girls who experience intersecting forms of marginalization. 

2. Objectives of the event

This side event presents an opportunity for civil society, Member States, the United Nations, and other stakeholders to discuss these implications, identify trends, and new areas to advance human rights for women and girls. The event will feed into the Working Group's forthcoming report on the topic which will be presented to the Human Rights Council in June 2026.

3. Target Audience

Member States, UN agencies, and civil society organizations and academics, especially those working on women’s and girls’ rights, and the private sector.    

4. Date & venue

The event will take place on 10 March 2026 | 13:15-14:30 PM EST | Conference Room 2 | UN Headquarters, NY. The event will be held in person only and webcast on UN WEBTV. 

5. Languages

Interpretation is not available.  

6. Format

The event will consist of opening and closing remarks from co-sponsors of the event, followed by a moderated panel. Following the panel, there will be open discussion, with opportunities for the panelists to discuss and take questions from the floor.

Speakers & Panelists 

• Ms. Claudia Flores, Chair of the UN Working Group on discrimination against women and girls (Moderator)
• H.E. Mr. Jihoon Cha, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea to the United Nations (confirmed)
• H.E. Aude Maio-Coliche, Ambassador for Equality, European External Action Service (confirmed)
• Christian Veske, Commissioner for Gender Equality and Equal Treatment, Estonia (confirmed) 
• Tsitsi Matekaire, Global Lead, End Sexual Exploitation, Equality Now (confirmed) 
• Representative of the Association for Progressive Communications (TBD)
• Representative of UN Women (TBD)