SAIFAC  WEBINAR : Can Technology Enhance the Protection of Stateless Persons? :

Date: Wednesday 28 May 2025 

Time: 16h30 (SAST)-18h00

Location: Microsoft Teams meeting  Online RSVP for link

RSVP: Please RSVP to Naomi Hove (naomi@saifac.org.za)

Please note that you are encouraged to RSVP at your earliest convenience.

Please feel free to forward this invitation to others who may be interested. Participants are welcome to join from anywhere in the world.

About the Event

The South African Institute for Advanced Constitutional, Public, Human Rights and International Law (a Centre of the University of Johannesburg) invites you to an online seminar titled “Can technology enhance the protection of stateless persons?” This seminar will explore both the opportunities and challenges of new technologies for enhancing the rights of stateless persons and improving decision-making in this area.  The seminar links with the strategic emphasis of the University of Johannesburg both on the Sustainable Development Goals and the 4th Industrial Revolution. 

Speakers: 

·       Ms. Thandeka Chauke (Advocacy lead, Global Movement Against Statelessness)

·       Jesus Perez (Senior Protection Officer, UNHCR South Africa)

·       Dr Solomon Momoh (Visiting lecturer, the University of Law, United Kingdom)

·       Omotunde Enigbokan, (Post-doctoral Research Fellow, SAIFAC, University of Johannesburg)

·       Damilola Awotula (Ph.D. Candidate, McGill University, Montreal, Canada).

Detailed Description of Seminar Theme:

Stateless persons are particularly vulnerable in that they do not have the protection of a particular state. Can technology enhance the protection of stateless persons?

On the one hand, technology has many benefits. Smartphones, computers, and social media networks can help stateless persons gather information and establish networks which can offer support as they navigate the challenges and opportunities they face in their countries of residence. Technology can also be utilised to enhance the protection of stateless persons by improving access to services. Sophisticated artificial intelligence(AI) technologies (such as chatbots or virtual assistants) can offer stateless individuals legal advice and resources about stateless determination procedures. These technologies bridge gaps particularly in areas with limited legal aid services, enabling individuals to understand their rights.  In addition, social media platforms can be used to mobilize advocacy campaigns by creating awareness about the plight of stateless persons so they can voice their concerns which can push for government intervention. Technology may also be used to enhance the efficiency of statelessness determination procedures by the government.         

Despite the advantages of technology, it has several drawbacks. Technology can  amplify existing social and economic inequalities. For example, it is well-known that there is unequal internet access particularly for those in remote areas. In addition, a low level of digital literacy skills often prevents full engagement in digital  systems – these issues have led to digital exclusion. Moreover, technology poses significant threats to privacy and data protection. Data is often shared with third-party apps, and other companies without consent raising concerns about privacy. AI powered surveillance systems can track and record peoples’ online activities, movements and behaviour without their consent. Some technologies typically rely on the collection of large data sets (social media) often including personal data. If data is not properly stored and secured, this can result in exposure of sensitive information to insecure networks resulting in violence, assault, xenophobic attacks and discrimination. Many challenges also arise in the utilisation of such technologies by the government in decision-making.  

In light of these issues, this seminar aims to address the following questions: 

·       What are the benefits of technology for stateless persons?

·       How can these sophisticated technologies be maximized to enhance the protection of stateless persons?

·       What are the existing challenges with the use of  technology for stateless persons?

·       What are the problems with the utilisation of technology by governments in deciding on statelessness?

·       Are there particular benefits or drawbacks in the Global South with the use of technology to enhance the protection of stateless persons?   

·       In what ways can technology contribute to resolving statelessness?