UNICRI Conducts AI Training for Qatari Judiciary in The Hague

The United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research Institute (UNICRI), through its Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, partnered with the Supreme Judiciary Council of the State of Qatar to deliver a specialized five-day training programme on the role of AI in advancing criminal justice. The event took place from 27 to 31 October at the UNICRI Centre in The Hague and concluded at the historic Peace Palace's Great Hall of Justice.

The training was formally opened by H.E. Abdulla Ali M. A. Al-Emadi, First Vice President of the Court of Appeal of Qatar, H.E. Dr. Mutlaq bin Majed Al-Qahtani, Qatar's Ambassador to the Netherlands and Mr. Irakli Beridze, Head of UNICRI's Centre for AI and Robotics. In his opening remarks, H.E. Dr Mutlaq bin Majed Al-Qahtani, Qatar's Ambassador to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, highlighted the UNICRI Centre's continued partnership with Member States and its forefront role in promoting responsible innovation in the field of criminal justice. Mr. Irakli Beridze, Head of UNICRI's Centre for AI and Robotics, emphasised that the training aims to strengthen judicial systems by supporting judges rather than replacing them, ensuring AI is used to uphold human rights.

Participants included criminal court judges from the State of Qatar's Court of Appeal and First Instance Court, along with departmental leaders in Development and Systems. Over the course of the week, they explored foundational AI concepts, practical applications across jurisdictions, ethical and philosophical debates and challenges such as data privacy, human rights, and epistemic risks when using AI systems for sentencing. The training also incorporated interactive elements, including a tabletop exercise focused on assessing human rights impacts and cybersecurity considerations when introducing AI systems into criminal justice systems.

The training session culminated with a visit to the Peace Palace, home to the International Court of Justice, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, and the Hague Academy of International Law, where participants learned about the Palace's historical significance and its role in global justice.
This training session marks the first of four sessions spread over the course of one year, as part of an ongoing collaboration between UNICRI's Centre for AI and Robotics and the Supreme Judiciary Council of the State of Qatar.

The UNICRI Centre for AI and Robotics, based in The Hague, the Netherlands since 2017, promotes the responsible use of artificial intelligence to strengthen peace, justice, security, and the rule of law worldwide by undertaking action-oriented research and capacity building activities.