Digital Health and Rights Project

The Digital Health and Rights Project (DHRP) is proud to introduce our Digital Rights Advisory Council (DRAC), a multidisciplinary expert group that provides strategic guidance on human rights in digital governance.

We are excited to welcome Fundación Karisma, a civil society organisation based in Colombia, as the newest member of the Digital Health and Rights Project.

This brief explores digital health and rights issues, reviews the current policy landscape, identifies gaps, and offers recommendations to internet users—especially young adults living with HIV or from marginalized communities (who are even more vulnerable than they already are, due to the fear of data leak, exposure, stigma, digital divides, and absence of in-person support), as well as government authorities, NGOs, and donors. These recommendations, informed by the study Paying the costs of connection: Human rights of young adults in the digital age in Colombia, Ghana, Kenya and Vietnam”, conducted by the Digital Health and Rights Project (DHRP) and funded by Fondation Botnar, aim to ensure young adults can engage safely, responsibly, and meaningfully in the digital space.

Digital technologies are transforming the global health landscape, presenting both opportunities and risks to human rights, especially for historically marginalised populations. While digital tools can improve access to health information and services, reduce stigma, and increase autonomy, digital platforms also present risks, including inequitable access to technology, resulting in digital divides and exacerbating existing societal inequalities. Lack of effective governance and regulation of digital technologies has also led to a lack of protection for users.