Harnessing AI for Humanitarian Aid: Balancing Opportunities and Risks
As humanitarian crises grow globally, organizations like the International Rescue Committee (IRC) are leveraging AI to enhance their response capabilities. While AI presents transformative advantages, it also raises significant ethical and operational concerns that must be addressed.
In recent years, the world has witnessed a dramatic escalation in humanitarian crises, leading to an unprecedented number of displaced individuals. The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is at the forefront of addressing these challenges, actively seeking innovations to enhance the efficiency of its humanitarian efforts. A key focus has been the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into their operational framework.
Since its inception in 2015, the IRC has utilized a project named Signpost—a suite of mobile applications and social media platforms designed to provide essential information in multiple languages to individuals in perilous circumstances. This initiative has successfully reached over 18 million people. However, as the demand for humanitarian assistance surges, fueled by conflicts, climate emergencies, and economic struggles, the IRC recognizes the need to amplify its reach through advanced AI technologies.
The United Nations estimates that over 117 million people were forcibly displaced by the beginning of 2024, creating a significant gap between the pressing needs of these populations and the resources available to assist them. To bridge this gap, the IRC is developing a network of AI chatbots aimed at augmenting the capabilities of their humanitarian staff and local organizations. Operating in countries such as:
- El Salvador
- Kenya
- Greece
- Italy
These chatbots respond to inquiries in 11 languages, utilizing large language models from major tech firms like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google.
Despite the promising potential of AI in scaling humanitarian responses, there are notable risks and ethical considerations. One major concern is the accuracy and reliability of the information provided by chatbots. In rapidly changing environments, outdated or incorrect information could pose risks to vulnerable individuals seeking assistance. Additionally, there is a danger of data misuse—AI systems may inadvertently create a repository of sensitive information that could be exploited by malicious entities or oppressive governments.
To mitigate these risks, the IRC has established protocols to ensure that none of the AI models are trained on sensitive data generated by the organization or its beneficiaries. They have taken steps to anonymize data and safeguard personal information, addressing privacy concerns head-on.
As the IRC expands its AI capabilities, it also prioritizes collaboration with other nonprofit organizations, aiming to provide shared technological resources that can be accessed without the need for direct negotiations with tech companies. This initiative seeks to democratize access to AI tools, enabling a broader range of organizations to benefit from these innovations.
However, experts emphasize the importance of governance and ethical oversight in deploying AI technologies. Organizations must engage diverse stakeholders, including local community representatives and legal experts, to ensure the tools are designed with a comprehensive understanding of the context and needs of the populations served.
The IRC’s efforts illustrate the dual-edged nature of AI in humanitarian work. While these technologies offer transformative potential to improve aid delivery, they also necessitate careful consideration of ethical implications and operational risks. As AI continues to evolve, fostering a collaborative environment that prioritizes the voices of those most affected will be critical in ensuring that technological advancements do not exacerbate existing disparities.
In conclusion, the IRC’s integration of AI into humanitarian responses embodies a significant leap forward in addressing global crises. However, it is imperative that organizations remain vigilant, ethical, and inclusive in their approach to harnessing AI for social good.
