UNESCO and UNDP have collaborated on with an aim of strengthening judicial capacity on the ethical and responsible use of artificial intelligence. The training on AI and the Rule of Law in Bangkok, Thailand, with support from the Thailand Institute of Justice (TIJ) brought together 27 judges from 13 Asia-Pacific countries to examine how AI is shaping justice systems and what safeguards are needed to uphold fairness, independence, and public trust.
Across three days, expert-led sessions shared global examples of AI use in justice sectors, highlighting both opportunities and risks. Participants exchanged practical insights on applying AI in ways that are aligned with ethical standards and human rights, while reflecting on approaches that can support judicial efficiency without compromising the rule of law.
In opening remarks, Gerd Trogemann, Manager of UNDP’s Global Policy Network and Regional Programme for Asia and the Pacific, emphasized:
“This is the balance we need to get right: harnessing the power of AI without losing the fairness, integrity, and humanity that define the rule of law.”
Discussions highlighted the growing use of AI in court administration, legal research, and case management, alongside concerns related to bias, transparency, and judicial independence. Participants noted that without proper oversight, AI tools can reinforce existing inequalities and undermine public confidence in justice systems.
Takashi Takashima, a counsellor at Japan’s Ministry of Justice, noted that:
“Only three years ago, assessments of the application of AI tools in dispute resolution proceedings were mostly speculative. Now, with real-world examples of AI use, the associated risks have become visible, making this training session timely and useful.”
Issues AI might cause – algorithmic bias, transparency, and due process
Through the study of use cases, participants weighed the capacity of AI systems to improve access to justice, support legal research, and make decision-making more consistent against the risks of embedding bias, weakening transparency and public trust, and deepening digital divides.
For trainer Leah Verghese, Research Manager at the Indian judicial reform think tank DAKSH, considering the risk of bias is especially crucial in a region as culturally, economically, and linguistically diverse as the Asia-Pacific. That diversity, she notes:
“Really needs to be considered when we talk about AI; AI should not make existing disparities worse.
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