One-Day National Conference on “Digital Dignity: Safeguarding Human Rights in the Age of Technology | Organized by Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), New Raipur (Online on 6th September 2025) | Submit Abstract by 16th August, 2025

Call for Papers, Events

One-Day National Conference on “Digital Dignity: Safeguarding Human Rights in the Age of Technology | Organized by Hidayatullah National Law University (HNLU), New Raipur (Online on 6th September 2025) | Submit Abstract by 16th August, 2025

August 5, 2025

Concept Note

Human rights are inherent and universal, transcending geographical and physical limitations, and thus require vigilant recognition and protection, especially in the rapidly evolving digital landscape. The swift proliferation of the internet and advancements in big data, artificial intelligence, and neural network technologies have introduced unprecedented challenges, profoundly impacting the safeguarding of fundamental human rights.

In this digital age, while innovative tools have significantly empowered global societies, they have simultaneously exposed new vulnerabilities and avenues for rights violations. Complex issues such as widespread surveillance, breaches of data privacy, embedded algorithmic biases, and the proliferation of misinformation have intensified, compelling governments, regulatory bodies, and civil society to critically examine and reinforce their strategies to uphold and protect human rights amidst these dynamic threats.

Parallelly, there is an escalating imperative to formally acknowledge and institutionalize emerging digital rights. Concepts such as digital access, digital wellbeing, and the right to secure communications are increasingly recognized as indispensable components of contemporary human rights frameworks.

This conference aims to dissect these pressing issues and foster a robust dialogue on reinforcing the protection of human rights within this new technological paradigm. Central to these discussions is the notion of digital dignity—the essential principle that human rights must be equally respected and preserved within digital realms as in physical spaces.

Sub-themes of the Conference

Digital Access as a Human Right:

Bridging the Digital Divide and Ensuring Universal Connectivity
Promoting Digital Literacy Among Youth, Senior Citizens, and Underprivileged Groups
Advancing Digital Inclusion Across Gender, Linguistic, Geographic, and Social Dimensions

Rights of Children and Vulnerable Populations in a Technology-Driven World:

Combating Online Exploitation, Particularly in Gaming Environments
Enhancing Digital Wellbeing and Mental Health Protection
Designing Inclusive, Appropriate, and Accessible Digital Tool

Technology, Online Platforms, and Labor Rights:

Addressing Challenges from Automation and Artificial Intelligence
Safeguarding Trade Union Rights in the Digital Era
Protecting Rights of Online Gig and Platform Workers

Digital Free Speech and Platform Governance:

Examining Content Moderation and Its Societal Impacts
Analyzing Algorithmic Influences on Public Discourse
Protecting Journalists, Activists, and Whistleblowers in Cyberspace

Informational Privacy versus Surveillance Technologies:

Preserving Consumer Autonomy Against Data Fiduciaries
Mitigating Privacy Risks Associated with Biometric Technologies
Evaluating Government Surveillance Practices and Justifications

Human Rights Defenders in the Digital Age:

Upholding the Right to Secure Communication
Resisting Internet Bans and Censorship
Leveraging Digital Tools for Advocacy, Mobilization, and Solidarity

Human Rights Implications of Emerging Technologies:

Assessing Risks of Facial Recognition, Neurotechnology, Biotechnology, and Related Innovations
Ensuring Ethical Standards and Human Rights Compliance in Technological Advancements

Important Dates

Release of brochure: 25th July, 2025
Abstract Submission Deadline: 16th August, 2025
Notification of Selected Abstracts: 18th August, 2025
Full Paper Submission: 30th August, 2025

Submission Guidelines

For abstract

The abstract is to be around 300 words (inclusive of 5 key words) and to be accompanied by a brief profile (in 50 words) of the author indicating his/her email ID, contact number, designation, and official address.
The abstract should be in following format:
Times New Roman, Font Size 12 & Line spacing 1.5, Justified
1-inch margins on all the four sides, Paper size: A4
All submission are to be made in MS word format only
Please name your attachment as follows: _ e.g. if author’s name is John Doe then the file name should be JohnDoe_abstract.
By submitting an abstract you grant the organizers permission to publish the abstract in hard copy and electronic formats for distribution during the Conference.
IMPORTANT: Along with the abstract, the author(s) will be required to provide details about the problem identified.
The author(s) will have to address the theme to which his/their paper belongs.
Please click the Link given below for submission of abstract:

https://forms.gle/LwUT8v5cHqAjpXmt6

For Full paper

Selected abstracts will be provided with a link for full paper submissions.
The word limit for a research paper/article along with an abstract is 3500-5000 words (excluding footnotes), which must be submitted in MS Word format.
Font: Times New Roman, Font Size: 12, Line spacing: 1.5, A4 size paper with 1” margin on all sides.
The papers are not to exceed 10 % similarity under any anti-plagiarism detection software.
For citation, the author is required to follow the Bluebook: A Uniform System of Citation, 20th edition.
The final paper shall mandatorily have the suggestions/recommendations made by the author(s).
Final submission shall be accompanied by duly filled in and scanned ‘DECLARATION OF RESPONSIBILITY & ASSIGNMENT OF COPYRIGHT FORM’ to be provided with the communication of acceptance.
The selected papers may be published in an edited book with ISBN Number.

Conference Registration

After intimation of selected of abstracts, selected participants will have to register through link provided paying conference registration fee as follows:
Faculty and Professionals: Rs. 1500
Research Scholars and Students: Rs. 1000
A maximum of two authors are allowed per paper. No fee shall be refunded in case any author fails to attend the conference on the date of event.

Note

Co-authorship of up to two authors is permitted with the submission of registration fees by both authors separately.
Conference certificates will be issued only for participants who attend the conference online from Inaugural to Valedictory sessions.

About HNLU

Hidayatullah National Law University, a premier university for legal education and research is celebrating its 20th Year of establishment. The university’s motto, ‘Dharma Sansthapanartham,’ translates to ‘for the sake of establishing the primacy of laws of eternal values’. In line with this ethos, HNLU is dedicated to providing advanced legal education that shapes students into more than just legal professionals, it instills in them a profound responsibility to contribute to society.The university has launched several innovative programmes in the last four years like Lex Osmose, Ex Arca, HNLU Press, Suigeneris, HEXA, HAAI and R-Has. With the new hub-spoke model of research centers, HNLU has opened a plethora of opportunities for academic and professional bridging for the benet of students, legal community and society at large.

About Center for Law & Human Rights

The Centre for Law & Human Rights is one of the research centres of the School of Law and Humanities under the HNLU’s ambitious R-HaS Model. The centre is focussed to promote the awareness of human rights with an interdisciplinary approach bringing together all the stakeholders, academicians, professionals, non-governmental organizations working at international, national, and regional level. CLHR aims to work for excellence in research related to Human Rights to extend support as a valuable resource for humanity and contribute to the nation’s development.

About Center for Law & Sciences

The Centre for Law and Sciences (CLS) at HNLU, Raipur was established under the School for Law and Technology (SLT), in the year 2023. Its objective is to develop research, teaching and advocacy in law and its interface with science advances, innovation and technology. The Centre also aims to focus on the promotion of interdisciplinary research and analysis of legal, ethical, and policy implications of new scientific developments and emerging technologies. The Centre seeks to provide a platform for research relating to scientific advancements and its impact on society at large through advocacy inputs.

CONFERENCE ADVISORS

Prof. (Dr.) V. C. Vivekanandan, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor and Director, School for Law and Technology (SLT).
Dr. Avinash Samal, Director, School for Law and Humanities (SLH).