Introduction
The Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights [2] [3] [4] [6] [7] [8], Democracy [1] [2] [3] [4] [6] [7] [8], and the Rule of Law represents a landmark international treaty aimed at establishing comprehensive legal standards for AI systems. This treaty seeks to ensure that AI technologies uphold fundamental human rights and democratic principles while fostering innovation and addressing associated risks.
Description
Canada and Japan have joined eleven other signatories in signing the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights [2] [7], Democracy [1] [2] [3] [4] [6] [7] [8], and the Rule of Law [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8]. This legally binding international treaty [1] [2] [3] [7] [8], adopted in May 2024 and opened for signature on September 5 in Vilnius, Lithuania [2] [7], marks the first comprehensive legal framework designed to ensure that AI systems uphold fundamental human rights, democratic principles [2] [7], and ethical development throughout their lifecycle. With 13 signatories to date, the treaty aims to promote innovation while mitigating risks to human rights [2] [7], democratic institutions [5] [6], and the rule of law [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8], all while maintaining a technology-neutral stance to remain relevant amid rapid advancements in AI.
Negotiated by 46 Council of Europe member states [2] [7], the European Union [2] [3] [4] [6] [7] [8], and various observer and non-member states [2] [7], the treaty also benefited from contributions by representatives of the private sector, civil society [1] [2] [7], and academia [1] [2] [7]. Canada actively participated in the negotiations [6], advocating for the respect of international law and plans to further these principles during its 2025 G7 Presidency. Japan’s signing reflects its commitment to upholding fundamental values such as human rights [3] [8], democracy [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8], and the rule of law [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8], and is complemented by the Hiroshima AI Process, an initiative led by Tokyo aimed at establishing international generative AI regulations [3], which is expected to serve as a foundation for global AI governance [3].
While the Framework Convention represents a significant step forward in establishing global legal standards for AI systems, it faces challenges, including exceptions for private and military activities [4]. Additionally, achieving international interoperability among diverse regulatory systems remains a concern [4], as does the slow pace of international policymaking [4], which struggles to keep up with rapid technological advancements [4]. The Framework Convention will come into effect three months after five signatories [2] [7], including at least three Council of Europe member states [1] [2] [7], have ratified it [2] [7], allowing countries worldwide to commit to its provisions [7].
Conclusion
The adoption of the Council of Europe Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights [2] [3] [4] [6] [7] [8], Democracy [1] [2] [3] [4] [6] [7] [8], and the Rule of Law signifies a pivotal advancement in the global governance of AI technologies. By establishing a comprehensive legal framework, the treaty aims to balance innovation with the protection of fundamental rights and democratic values. However, the challenges of ensuring international interoperability and addressing exceptions highlight the ongoing complexities in regulating AI on a global scale. As more countries ratify the treaty, its impact on shaping AI governance and fostering international cooperation is expected to grow, setting a precedent for future regulatory efforts in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.
References
[1] https://www.allaboutai.com/ca/ai-news/canada-japan-sign-historic-global-ai-treaty-with-council-of-europe/
[2] https://www.coe.int/en/web/portal/-/canada-and-japan-sign-council-of-europe-s-first-ever-global-treaty-on-ai
[3] https://www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2025021200234/
[4] https://hir.harvard.edu/envisioning-an-ai-paris-agreement/
[5] https://www.miragenews.com/canada-joins-ai-human-rights-convention-1406569/
[6] https://www.canada.ca/en/global-affairs/news/2025/02/canada-signs-the-council-of-europe-framework-convention-on-artificial-intelligence-and-human-rights-democracy-and-the-rule-of-law.html
[7] https://www.coe.int/be/web/portal/-/canada-and-japan-sign-council-of-europe-s-first-ever-global-treaty-on-ai
[8] https://sp.m.jiji.com/english/show/38287
