Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law

08/17/2026

What happens when regulation moves faster than our understanding of technology?

In a new opinion piece for La Nación, Professor Eduardo Bertoni, Director of the Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at American University Washington College of Law, looks beyond today’s debate over artificial intelligence to the next major technological frontier: quantum computing.

Bertoni identifies a recurring pattern in the way societies respond to technological change: first panic, then regulation, and only at the end, understanding.

As governments and institutions confront the risks associated with AI—and begin considering the implications of quantum technologies—he argues for a different approach: understanding emerging technologies before deciding how they should be governed.

“History shows that the problem was never the technology. The problem has been, too many times, our decision to regulate before we understand.”

The article contributes to the Center’s continuing work at the intersection of technology, human rights, and public policy.

Read “Technopanic and Quantum Computing” in La Nación:

https://edicionimpresa.lanacion.com.ar/article/283570932318359

08/03/2026

As we prepare for Fall 2026, we are proud to call one of the nation’s leading law school campuses home. This environment supports the Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law’s mission to advance cutting-edge research, education, and global dialogue on human rights, emerging technologies, the prevention of torture, genocide, and mass atrocities. We look forward to another semester of bringing together scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and students to address the most pressing challenges facing human dignity and the rule of law.

American University Washington College of Law

American University Washington College of Law has once again been named among Prelaw Magazine's Best Law School Buildings for 2026. Receiving an “A” rating, the Tenleytown campus was recognized for its design, which supports how students study, collaborate and prepare for practice by combining advanced technology, experiential learning spaces and student-centered amenities. More: https://nationaljurist.com/best-law-school-buildings/

08/03/2026

It’s great to see Professor Eduardo Bertoni’s participation in Uruguay’s Data Protection Officers Training Program recognized by the organizers themselves.

In its official press release, Uruguay’s Data Protection Authority (URCDP) highlighted Professor Bertoni, Director of the Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at American University Washington College of Law, for leading a session on personal data, digital platforms, and data protection rights.

The discussion focused on the practical challenges that come with new technologies, from neurodata and legislative reform in Latin America to protecting children’s data and other sensitive personal information. The session also looked at Argentina’s experience and the legal tools needed to respond to these evolving issues.

The program brought together 35 accredited Data Protection Officers from across Uruguay as part of URCDP’s ongoing training initiative.

We appreciate URCDP and AGESIC for the invitation and for sharing the event with their broader community. Partnerships like these help connect academic research with the day-to-day work of public institutions responsible for protecting fundamental rights

El 21 de julio se realizó una charla para delegados de protección de datos personales, con el objetivo de profundizar en los desafíos actuales frente

08/03/2026

The Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law is pleased to share that Professor Eduardo Bertoni’s participation in Uruguay’s Data Protection Officers Training Program has been highlighted by the Unidad Reguladora y de Control de Datos Personales (URCDP), the country’s data protection authority.

The official press release recognized Professor Bertoni, Director of the Center, for leading a specialized session on Personal Data, Digital Platforms, and Data Protection Rights as part of URCDP’s national training program for accredited Data Protection Officers.

The session examined emerging challenges at the intersection of personal data protection, digital platforms, neurodata, and legislative reform in Latin America, with particular attention to the Argentine experience. Discussions also addressed the protection of children’s data, safeguards for sensitive personal information, robust authentication mechanisms, and the development of legal frameworks capable of responding to rapidly evolving technologies.

The program brought together 35 accredited Data Protection Officers, underscoring the importance of international academic collaboration in advancing privacy, digital governance, and human rights across the region.

We thank URCDP and AGESIC for the opportunity to contribute to this important initiative and for recognizing the Center’s ongoing work on technology, data protection, and human rights.

El 21 de julio se realizó una charla para delegados de protección de datos personales, con el objetivo de profundizar en los desafíos actuales frente

07/27/2026

07/27/2026

Professor Eduardo Bertoni, Director of the Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law, participated on Tuesday, July 21, in Uruguay’s training program for Data Protection Officers at the invitation of the Unidad Reguladora y de Control de Datos Personales (URCDP)⁠, Uruguay’s data protection authority within the Agency for Electronic Government and Information and Knowledge Society (AGESIC)⁠.

Held at Torre Ejecutiva, the seat of Uruguay’s Executive Branch in Montevideo, the program brought together accredited Data Protection Officers to discuss contemporary challenges in privacy and digital governance.

Professor Bertoni delivered a presentation on personal data, digital platforms, and data protection rights. The session explored current legal and policy challenges at the intersection of privacy, digital governance, freedom of expression, and international human rights law, with particular attention to protecting individuals’ rights in an increasingly data-driven digital environment.

Drawing on his extensive international experience as former Director of Argentina’s Personal Data Protection Agency, former Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression of the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, expert to the Council of Europe, and Director of the Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at American University Washington College of Law, Professor Bertoni addressed emerging issues in privacy regulation and digital rights before an audience of accredited Data Protection Officers from across Uruguay.

His participation reflects the Center’s continued engagement in international initiatives that advance the protection of fundamental rights and contribute to global discussions on the governance of emerging technologies.

Unidad Reguladora y de Control de Datos Personales (URCDP)

https://www.gub.uy/unidad-reguladora-control-datos-personales

Agency for Electronic Government and Information and Knowledge Society (AGESIC)

https://www.gub.uy/agencia-gobierno-electronico-sociedad-informacion-conocimiento

07/13/2026

As America commemorates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of...

07/10/2026

The Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law proudly highlights its active participation in ASIL Abroad Buenos Aires 2026, organized by the ASIL - American Society of International Law and hosted by Universidad Torcuato Di Tella

As an institutional supporting organization, the Center contributed to one of the leading international law gatherings in the region, demonstrating its continued engagement in global conversations that extend well beyond the United States and reinforce its international leadership in advancing human rights scholarship and practice.

Professor Eduardo Andres Bertoni, Director of the Center, participated in the panel “AI Governance: Regulatory, Professional, and Educational Opportunities,” which examined the transformative impact of artificial intelligence on legal systems, democratic governance, institutional accountability, legal education, and the protection of human rights. The discussion explored how AI is reshaping public institutions and regulatory frameworks while raising fundamental questions concerning transparency, democratic legitimacy, freedom of expression, the rule of law, and the protection of fundamental rights.

The Center’s presence also included Professor Juan Ernesto Mendez, a member of the Center’s Board and one of the world’s foremost authorities on international human rights and transitional justice, who moderated a timely panel examining the current state of transitional justice in Argentina and Latin America. Bringing together leading experts, including Juan Gabriel Tokatlian, the discussion explored contemporary challenges facing accountability processes, democratic resilience, historical memory, and the evolving role of transitional justice within broader regional and international political developments.

Together, these contributions illustrate the breadth of the Center’s work across two of the most significant contemporary areas of international legal debate: emerging technologies and human rights, and the continuing evolution of transitional justice in democratic societies. They also reflect the Center’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue among leading scholars, practitioners, policymakers, and international institutions addressing the most pressing legal challenges of our time.

Professor Bertoni’s participation further reflects the Center’s sustained work on technology and human rights, including initiatives related to digital governance, neurotechnology, data protection, freedom of expression, and emerging technologies. This work encompasses the Center’s Human Rights and Technology Program, participation in United Nations and Council of Europe discussions on neurotechnology and human rights standards, and continued engagement in international policymaking concerning digital rights.

By supporting and participating in ASIL Abroad Buenos Aires 2026, the Center continues to strengthen its international partnerships and contribute to cutting-edge legal discussions across multiple regions. This engagement advances the Center’s mission of promoting international human rights law through scholarship, dialogue, and collaboration with leading institutions and experts worldwide.

07/06/2026

The Center for Human Rights and Humanitarian Law is proud to serve as an Institutional Supporter of ASIL Abroad Buenos Aires 2026, an international forum bringing together leading scholars, practitioners, judges, and policymakers to address some of the most pressing challenges facing international law today.

We are especially pleased that two members of the Center’s leadership will contribute to the conference program:

• Professor Eduardo Bertoni, Director of the Center, will participate in the panel “AI Governance: Regulatory, Professional, and Educational Opportunities,” examining the legal, institutional, and human rights implications of artificial intelligence.

• Professor Juan E. Méndez, Faculty Co-Director of the Center and Professor of Human Rights Law in Residence, will participate in a panel addressing contemporary challenges in international law and human rights, bringing to the discussion his decades of experience as a leading advocate for accountability, transitional justice, and the prevention of torture.

As an institutional supporter, the Center is honored to contribute to this important gathering and to advance dialogue on the future of international law, human rights, democracy, and emerging technologies.

If you are attending ASIL Abroad, we invite you to join these sessions and follow our channels throughout the conference for highlights and updates from Buenos Aires.



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