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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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Building and Strengthening Digital Ecosystems in Humanitarian Contexts

Belinda Baah, Zoe Hamilton

London: GSMA (2021), 24 pp.

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

London: GSMA (2021), 39 pp.

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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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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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The Climate Crisis: Mobile-Enabled Solutions in Humanitarian Emergencies

Jenny Casswell, Zoe Hamilton

London: GSMA (2021), 27 pp.

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Information and Communication Technologies for Humanitarian Services

Muhammad Nazrul Islam (ed.)

London: Institution of Engineering and Technology (2020), xx, 371 pp.

"This book provides new developments, innovations, and research outcomes; case studies and lessons learned; and other considerations for the creation and deployment of effective ICTs to provide humanitarian services for the resource-constrained and vulnerable populations in the world in order to imp ... more

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Saving Lives and Changing Minds with Twitter in Disasters and Pandemics: A Literature Review

Hamed Seddighi, Ibrahim Salmani, Saeideh Seddighi

Journalism and Media, volume 1, issue 1 (2020), pp. 59-77

"Twitter is a major tool for communication during emergencies and disasters. This study aimed to investigate Twitter use during natural hazards and pandemics. The included studies reported the role of Twitter in disasters triggered by natural hazards. Electronic databases were used for a comprehensi ... more

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ICT for Disaster Risk Management

Incheon: Asian and Pacific Training Centre for Information and Communication Technology for Development (APCICT-ESCAP), 3rd ed. (2020), 137 pp.

"This module introduces disaster risk management (DRM) and provides an overview of how information and communication technologies (ICTs) can be used for DRM. A large number of examples and case studies on the applications of ICTs in DRM have been included in the module. The main objective of the mod ... more

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Human-Centred Design in Humanitarian Settings: Methodologies for Inclusivity
Key Guides

London: GSMA (2020), 40 pp.

"To ensure that mobile solutions are designed inclusively in humanitarian contexts, it is important that target users are involved as co-creators of the future they want. A human-centred design approach is one way to ensure that users’ perspectives are fully integrated into programme design. This ... more

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A Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Framework for Humanitarian Innovation Programmes

London: GSMA (2020), 18 pp.

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Data Impact Assessments

Centre for Humanitarian Data (2020), 6 pp.

"• Data impact assessments determine the potential benefits and risks associated with data management. They are a critical component of responsible data management, but are often overlooked. • There are a wide variety of approaches to data impact assessments. Selecting the right assessment for a ... more

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Women, ICT and Emergency Telecommunications: Opportunities and Constraints

Geneva: ITU (2020), x, 80 pp.

"In the 1991 cyclones that hit Bangladesh, 90 per cent of the 140 000 victims were women. In the deadly heat waves that hit France in 2003, most fatalities were elderly women. During the 2005 Hurricane Katrina emergency in New Orleans, most of the victims were Afro-American women and their children. ... more

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Tip Sheet on Maintaining Confidential Digital Dialogue During Humanitarian Emergencies

Geneva: International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) (2020), 5 pp.

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ITU guidelines for national emergency telecommunication plans

Juan Manuel Roldan, Felipe Ordoñez

Geneva: ITU (2020), v, 95 pp.

"The effective management of the risk of disasters depends on communication and information sharing across all levels of government, within communities, and between public and private organizations. In particular, timely and effective information flow is important for early warning and alerting the ... population, for preparing for an emergency event, and for the effective coordination and articulation of response activities that can minimize economic loss, mitigate the impact on public well-being and loss of life. A national emergency telecommunication plan (NETP) sets out a strategy to enable and ensure communications availability during the disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery phases, by promoting coordination across all levels of government, between public and private organizations, and within communities at risk. Preparation and implementation of an NETP engages stakeholders to think through the life cycle of a potential disaster, it determines the required capabilities for emergency responses, and establishes a governance framework of roles and responsibilities. It also clarifies how to shape planning, envision and share desired outcomes, and it outlines effective ways to achieve and communicate expected results. The NETP will reflect what diverse stakeholder communities need to focus on in order to address specific risks with available resources. Additionally, for developing countries, the NETP will highlight major areas of risk. This not only provides support and justification for the funding of vital equipment and personnel in an emergency, but also promotes the need for day-to-day resources and procedures that keep national authorities prepared, especially to maintaining vital communications, the essential lifeline during emergencies. This report assists national authorities and policymakers to develop a clear, flexible and user-friendly framework that guides countries on how to develop a strategic plan to support and enable the continued use of telecommunication and information and communication technology (ICT) networks and services in all four disaster management phases. It not only describes the main elements that an NETP should consider, but also highlights its potential benefits. It includes a step-by-step guide to the development of an NETP, it serves as a useful resource based on ITU recommendations and concepts, as well as expertise from other global bodies and organizations." (Overview, page 1) more

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Displaced Children and Emerging Technologies: Save the Children's Opportunities for Investment and Impact

Nathaniel Raymond, Stuart Campo

London: Save the Children; DANIDA (2019), 36 pp.

"The report findings identify numerous potentially transformational and cost-effective technologies that could significantly improve our ability to access and assist vulnerable displaced populations – particularly children. The findings also provide a greater understanding of the programming chall ... more

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The Use of Social Media in Natural Hazard Early Warning Systems

Emma Bee, Mirianna Budimir

Science for Humanitarian Emergencies & Resilience (SHEAR) (2019), 5 pp.

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Social Accountability on Durable Solutions: Perception Survey in Bossaso and Baidoa

Nairobi: Africa's Voices Foundation (2019), 65 pp.

"Somalia is facing a protracted displacement crisis. Since the new wave of displacement as a result of the 2016/2017 drought, 2.6 million people - one in six Somalis - have been forced to flee their homes.1 Displaced groups in Somalia are extremely vulnerable - lacking in sustainable livelihoods, pe ... more

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The Humanitarian ‘digital Divide’

Barnaby Willitts-King, John Bryant, Kerrie Holloway

Overseas Development Institute (ODI), Humanitarian Policy Group (HPG) (2019), 31 pp.

"Technology has driven major change in some areas of humanitarian response, but its use can also be biased and blind to risks. A tendency towards techno-optimism risks avoiding fundamental questions around the limits of technology, the role of the private sector (including local and regional technol ... more

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Introducing Information Communication Technologies Into Humanitarian Programming

Eldon. Laura, Anna Kondakhchyan

Oxford: Oxfam (2018), 13 pp.

Human-Centred Design in Humanitarian Settings: Methodologies for Inclusivity Key Guides

Human-Centred Design in Humanitarian Settings: Methodologies for Inclusivity
Key Guides