When artificial intelligence meets justice, the stakes are significant. Errors or biases in AI systems can undermine judicial fairness, erode public trust and jeopardize fundamental rights. Despite the transformative potential of AI, only 9% of judicial operators worldwide report having AI-related guidelines or training. By adopting ethical AI regulations, Colombia joins a select group of countries leading the way in ensuring that technology serves justice without compromising human rights.
Colombia’s leadership in adopting ethical AI guidelines for the judiciary sets a global precedent. UNESCO is proud to support this milestone, ensuring that AI strengthens justice systems while upholding human rights and judicial integrity.
A collaborative effort for ethical AI
This achievement was made possible through a partnership between UNESCO and Colombia’s Superior Council of the Judiciary. Together, they adapted the UNESCO Guidelines to create Colombia’s Guidelines for the Responsible and Safe Use of Generative AI in the Judicial Branch, in December 2025 after months of expert and public consultations.
“These guidelines represent an initial step toward using AI responsibly, but they must evolve alongside advancements in technology, regulations, and jurisprudence,”
emphasized Diana Alexandra Remolina Botía, President of the Superior Council of the Judiciary of Colombia.
The Colombian guidelines go beyond ethical principles like equality, transparency, data protection and explainability. They offer practical guidance on implementing AI ethically across different judicial cases. For example, they differentiate between low-risk applications like drafting emails and higher-risk scenarios such as retrieving case-law information that requires stringent oversight.
Ensuring accountability and innovation
The guidelines assign specific responsibilities to judiciary stakeholders. For instance, court staff and judicial operators must clearly disclose if, how and which AI tools were used in judicial decisions to uphold transparency and integrity. Additionally, Colombia’s Unit for Digital Transformation and Informatics is tasked with exploring innovative AI solutions while conducting impact assessments to address risks related to confidentiality, technological dependency and fundamental rights.
Colombia’s journey toward ethical AI began with a challenge: a Constitutional Court last year found that unregulated use of generative AI by judges could violate the right to a fair trial. The Court underscored that while generative AI cannot replace judicial reasoning, it has significant potential to strengthen institutions by addressing societal demands for justice. This is particularly urgent given that over 2.2 million active cases were pending before Colombia’s judiciary as of last year.
The promise and risks of AI in justice
Research underscores AI’s potential to revolutionize justice systems. For example, São Paulo’s State Court reduced case processing times by 87% using AI tools. Accompanied by ethical guidelines, such advancements can further strengthen rule of law and access to justice.
Through its Programme on AI and the Rule of Law, UNESCO provides judges and justice systems worldwide with frameworks to harness AI responsibly. “AI holds transformative potential for justice systems,” said Jelassi. “It offers tools to expedite case resolution while safeguarding fundamental rights.”
Colombia’s pioneering step is just the beginning. As other countries look to address similar challenges, its example sets a powerful precedent for integrating technology into judicial systems ethically and effectively.
