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Radio: A Key Humanitarian Response Tool

Research for Health in Humanitarian Crises (ELRHA) (2021), 2 pp.

"This study, undertaken during the COVID-19 outbreak in Burkina Faso, found that radio enabled sharing of rapid, relevant, and reliable information, even during COVID-19 and a deteriorating security situation. Radio can be considered and deployed in emergency context as an urgent response tool. Huma ... more

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Explicability of Humanitarian AI: A Matter of Principles

Giulio Coppi, Moreno Jimenez Rebeca, Sofia Kyriazi

Journal of International Humanitarian Action, volume 6, issue 19 (2021), 22 pp.

"In the debate on how to improve efficiencies in the humanitarian sector and better meet people’s needs, the argument for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and automated decision-making (ADMs) systems has gained significant traction and ignited controversy for its ethical and human rights-re ... lated implications. Setting aside the implications of introducing unmanned and automated systems in warfare, we focus instead on the impact of the adoption of AI-based ADMs in humanitarian response. In order to maintain the status and protection conferred by the humanitarian mandate, aid organizations are called to abide by a broad set of rules condensed in the humanitarian principles and notably the principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence. But how do these principles operate when decision-making is automated? This article opens with an overview of AI and ADMs in the humanitarian sector, with special attention to the concept of algorithmic opacity. It then explores the transformative potential of these systems on the complex power dynamics between humanitarians, principled assistance, and affected communities during acute crises. Our research confirms that the existing flaws in accountability and epistemic processes can be also found in the mathematical and statistical formulas and in the algorithms used for automation, artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, and other efficiency-gaining-related processes. In doing so, our analysis highlights the potential harm to people resulting from algorithmic opacity, either through removal or obfuscation of the causal connection between triggering events and humanitarian services through the so-called black box effect (algorithms are often described as black boxes, as their complexity and technical opacity hide and obfuscate their inner workings (Diakopoulos, Tow Center for Digital Journ, 2017). Recognizing the need for a humanitarian ethics dimension in the analysis of automation, AI, and ADMs used in humanitarian action, we endorse the concept of “explicability” as developed within the ethical framework of machine learning and humancomputer interaction, together with a set of proxy metrics. Finally, we stress the need for developing auditable standards, as well as transparent guidelines and frameworks to rein in the risks of what has been defined as humanitarian experimentation (Sandvik, Jacobsen, and McDonald, Int. Rev. Red Cross 99(904), 319–344, 2017). This article concludes that accountability mechanisms for AI-based systems and ADMs used to respond to the needs of populations in situation of vulnerability should be an essential feature by default, in order to preserve the respect of the do no harm principle even in the digital dimension of aid. In conclusion, while we confirm existing concerns related to the adoption of AI-based systems and ADMs in humanitarian action, we also advocate for a roadmap towards humanitarian AI for the sector and introduce a tentative ethics framework as basis for future research." (Abstract) more

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Information Sharing Protocol: Somalia

Inter-Cluster Coordination Group (ICCG);Somalia Information Management and Assessment Working Group (IMAWG) (2021), 12 pp.

"This Information Sharing Protocol (ISP) is designed to support data responsibility in Somalia. Data responsibility in humanitarian action is the safe, ethical and effective management of personal and non-personal data for operational response, in accordance with established frameworks for personal ... more

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From Digital Promise to Frontline Practice: New and Emerging Technologies in Humanitarian Action

Leonie Arendt-Cassetta

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) (2021), 65 pp.

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Data Responsibility Toolkit: A Guide for Cash and Voucher Practitioners

Linda Raftree, Anna Kondakhchyan

Cash Learning Partnership (CaLP) (2021), 45 pp.

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Multihazard Multisectoral Risk Communication Framework for Pakistan

Washington, DC: World Bank;Government of Pakistan, Ministry of National Health Services Regulations and Coordination (2021), 26 pp.

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Assessment of Communication, Community Engagement, and Accountability in Colombia and Recommendations for Response-Wide Synergy

David Alejandro Schoeller-Diaz, Sayuri Raigoza Rivera

CDAC Network (2021), 32 pp.

"The report documents the status of response-wide Communication, Community Engagement and Accountability towards Affected Populations (CCEA) in Colombia and provides recommendations for a strengthened and more inclusive response. The report explores the operating environment, what works well and wha ... more

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Building Resilience Through Mobile-Enabled Solutions: Lessons from the Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation Fund

Matthew Downer, Zoe Hamilton

London: GSMA (2021), 39 pp.

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Maintaining land and life in Vanuatu: Indigenous alternatives of recovery following the Manaro eruption on Ambae, Vanuatu

Foley C. Pfalzgraf

Journal of Environmental Media, volume 2, issue Supplement (2021), pp. 5.1–5.13

"Between 2017 and 2019, the Manaro volcano on the island of Ambae in Vanuatu erupted consistently, leading to two compulsory evacuations of the island’s communities. The eruption was only one of many ecological emergencies unfolding in Vanuatu as climate change continues to affect the islands. Ami ... more

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Utilizing telecommunications / information and communication technologies for disaster risk reduction and management. Study period 2018-2021

Geneva: ITU (2021), xii, 162 pp.

[...] Early-warning systems play a crucial role in informing people about impending disasters and should therefore be deployed in disaster-prone areas. Effective information transmission and dissemination are important before, during and after a disaster. A workshop on early-warning systems held dur ... more

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Media and Disaster Risk Reduction: Advances, Challenges and Potentials

Rajib Shaw, Suvendrini Kakuchi, Miki Yamaji (eds.)

Singapore: Springer (2021), xiii, 249 pp.

"The media is considered to be of utmost importance in all phases of disasters, before, during and after, with different types of media having different proactive roles to play in disaster risk reduction. Before disasters, they play essential roles not only in bringing early warning to people but al ... more

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Humanitarian Connectivity Needs and Usage Assessment: Guidance for Implementing the Toolkit

London: GSMA (2021), 39 pp.

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Évaluation des besoins et de l’usage de la connectivité dans les contextes humanitaires: Une Boîte à Outils pour faciliter l’évaluation de l’usage actuel et potentiel de la connectivité et de la téléphonie mobile en situation de crises humanitaires

London: GSMA (2021), 14 pp.

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Training Module on Social & Behaviour Change Communication in Context of Disaster Risk Reduction

Manoj Kumar Bindal, Shalini Prasad et al.

New Delhi: National Institute of Disaster Management (NIDM) (2021), ix, 157 pp.

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Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation Fund: Portfolio (2017-2022)

London: GSMA (2021), 28 pp.

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The Barbados Information Ecosystem Assessment (IEA): How the Flow of Information Impacts Disaster Preparedness and Response

Internews (2021), 95 pp.

"Barbadians are not sufficiently prepared for natural disasters. In addition to being heavily reliant on electricity and the internet for communicating during times of crises and disasters, Barbados is in need of a mandatory building code, more resilient housing and building infrastructures, and gre ... more

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The Dominica Information Ecosystem Assessment (IEA): How the Flow of Information Impacts Disaster Preparedness and Response

Internews (2021), 75 pp.

"Generally, Dominicans have access to the information that they need to make informed decisions, especially as it relates to disaster preparation and response. Despite having timely access to disaster-related information, however, some persons continue to act complacent and either fail or refuse to ... more

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Plans nationaux pour les télécommunications d’urgence: Catalyseurs et garanties. Guide succinct d'évaluation à l’intention des spécialistes des politiques publiques

Ken Okong'o

London: GSMA (2021), 16 pp.

"Ce guide a pour but d'aider à identifier les lacunes, les opportunités et les faiblesses du système afin de guider la définition d’une stratégie nationale plus cohérente et de positionner la téléphonie mobile comme appui aux activités de préparation, de réponse et de relèvement en cas ... more

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National Emergency Telecommunications Plans: Enablers and Safeguards. A Brief Evaluation Guide for Policy Practitioners

Ken Okong'o

London: GSMA (2021), 16 pp.

"Section 1 focuses on creating an enabling environment. Mobile network operators (MNOs) operate in a regulated environment.5 However, if this environment is not sufficiently enabling to support disaster preparedness, response and recovery, MNOs will encounter challenges when disaster strikes. This s ... more

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Covering COVID-19: Handbook for Journalists. Collection of Tools, Techniques, Resources and Strategies for Journalists Covering the Cornonavirus Outbreak. Includes Tools for Fact-Checking Misinformation and Hoaxes

Media Empowerment for a Democratic Sri Lanka (MEND) Program

IREX;USAID (2020), 7 pp.