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Chief Ombudsman Mr. Mehmet Akarca and Secretary General of the Ombudsman Institution of Türkiye, Mr. Mehmet Doğan, participated in the two-day international conference titled “Human Rights and Artificial Intelligence: An Approach from the Perspective of National Human Rights Institutions,” hosted by the National Human Rights Committee of the State of Qatar.

Chief Ombudsman gave a speech at the session titled “Human Rights and Artificial Intelligence: An Approach from the Perspective of National Human Rights Institutions.”

In his speech, the Chief Ombudsman stated that artificial intelligence is not only a technological innovation, but also a harbinger of a new social transformation.

Highlighting the numerous benefits artificial intelligence brings to human life, the Chief Ombudsman stated, “It has made our daily lives easier, increased efficiency and lowered costs by reducing workload, particularly in tasks that do not require human interaction. However, it also poses crucial risks, particularly in terms of security, democracy and human dignity. Therefore, ethical issues must be addressed seriously and evaluated within an ethical framework that supports human values and dignity. However, it also poses crucial risks, particularly in terms of security, democracy and human dignity. Therefore, ethical issues must be addressed seriously and evaluated within an ethical framework that supports human values and dignity. Artificial intelligence can only learn if there is any data present. In case of insufficient or incomplete data, it can learn incorrectly. When it comes to data, we are referring to a broad spectrum ranging from protection of personal data to commercial secrets of companies and even the national security policies of states.”

Chief Ombudsman: “Over 95% of complaints to the Ombudsman Institution are lodged through the electronic system”

Emphasizing the facilitative impact of artificial intelligence technology on human life today, Chief Ombudsman Mr. Mehmet Akarca stated, “As an Institution, we have developed an electronic application system for both domestic and international complaint applications. Over 95% of complaints are lodged through the electronic system. In 2023, we signed a protocol with a university in Türkiye for artificial intelligence support in terms of examination of complaints and drafting of decisions. In order to ensure the data security of our Institution, keep statistics easily and work faster and more effectively, we have established a “Complaint Management System.”

“Ombudsmen and National Human Rights Institutions can contribute significantly to ensuring that artificial intelligence technologies are developed and used in harmony with human rights.”

Highlighting that it is not only a responsibility but also our duty towards future generations to steer artificial intelligence technology, which is at the center of our lives and makes our lives easier, from the perspective of human rights and ethical principles, Chief Ombudsman noted, “Therefore, Ombudsmen and National Human Rights Institutions can contribute significantly to ensuring that artificial intelligence technologies are developed and used in harmony with human rights. For example, they can monitor and report on the human rights impacts of artificial intelligence applications or help promote rights-based digital awareness across public institutions, the private sector and society at large. Independent bodies can be established to oversee the algorithms used in artificial intelligence applications. Particular attention must be paid to the risk of discrimination that disadvantaged groups such as children, women, the elderly, persons with disabilities and migrants may face in the face of artificial intelligence.”

Chief Ombudsman Made Contacts in Qatar

Within the framework of their Qatar program, Chief Ombudsman Mr. Mehmet Akarca and Secretary General Mr. Mehmet Doğan paid a visit to the Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to Qatar, Dr. M. Mustafa Göksu.

Chief Ombudsman and Secretary General also paid a visit to the Attorney General of Qatar, Dr. Issa bin Saad Al Jafali Al Nuaimi. Ambassador Dr. M. Mustafa Göksu was also present during the visit.

During their visit to Qatar to participate in the international conference, Chief Ombudsman and Secretary General met with the Chairman of the Supreme Judiciary Council and President of the Court of Cassation in Qatar, Mr. Hassan bin Lahdan Al Hassan Al Muhannadi. Ambassador Dr. M. Mustafa Göksu was also present during the meeting.

Within the framework of the international conference, Chief Ombudsman and Chairman of National Human Rights Committee of Qatar, Ms. Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, had a bilateral meeting, during which matters regarding cooperation between the two Institutions were discussed.

Chief Ombudsman also met with Ombudsmen and Heads of National Human Rights Institutions from various countries at the conference.