The new era of technology will have a much bigger impact on humanity and take human civilisation to much higher levels than previous industrial revolutions. The challenge with 4IR is how to ensure that its technological advances will be used and regulated in such a way that human rights and fundamental freedoms are respected, and that the future of humanity, including democratic governance, is not threatened.
The workshop will explore the role of national human rights institutions in response to the challenges and opportunities of the 4IR. Further, to equip the Commission to play a meaningful role in responding to the human rights challenges and also exploit the benefits of new technologies for the advancement of human rights.

The workshop is also aimed at positioning the Commission as a key role player in South Africa's response to the 4IR; generate new knowledge and understanding on the relationship between human rights and the 4IR; and develop recommendations for how the Commission could best harness the advantages of the 4IR to maximize its reach, access and efficiency in discharging on its constitutional mandate.

Source: Government of South Africa