"Natural language processing (NLP) is a rapidly evolving field at the intersection of linguistics, computer science, and artificial intelligence, which is concerned with developing methods to process and generate language at scale. Modern NLP tools have the potential to support humanitarian action a
...
t multiple stages of the humanitarian response cycle. Both internal reports, secondary text data (e.g., social media data, news media articles, or interviews with affected individuals), and external-facing documents like Humanitarian Needs Overviews (HNOs) encode information relevant to monitoring, anticipating, or responding to humanitarian crises. Yet, lack of awareness of the concrete opportunities o..ered by state-of-the-art techniques, as well as constraints posed by resource scarcity, limit adoption of NLP tools in the humanitarian sector. This paper provides a pragmatically-minded primer to the emerging field of humanitarian NLP, reviewing existing initiatives in the space of humanitarian NLP, highlighting potentially impactful applications of NLP in the humanitarian sector, and describing criteria, challenges, and potential solutions for large-scale adoption. In addition, as one of the main bottlenecks is the lack of data and standards for this domain, we present recent initiatives (the DEEP and HumSet) which are directly aimed at addressing these gaps. With this work, we hope to motivate humanitarians and NLP experts to create long-term impact-driven synergies and to co-develop an ambitious roadmap for the field." (Abstract)
more
"Narratives and frames have greater influence on policy change than facts and figures. They have a critical role to play in leveraging political will for transforming the humanitarian system. Humanitarian organisations have greater power to shape narratives than they are willing to admit. The consta
...
nt need to raise funds has given rise to a master frame of exceptionalism. Dominant narratives represent crises as exceptional events that require humanitarian aid as a self-contained solution. The label ‘humanitarian’ is used both to forge a collective identity and to exclude other actors. This frame has Western roots and is increasingly contested by donors, affected governments, national and local aid groups, and international activists who are excluded from it. It helps fuel narratives used to delay transformations towards a more people-centred and locally led model, in particular assertions that the system needs money more than reform." (Key messages)
more
"The Sphere Handbook is marking its 20th anniversary with the publication of this fourth edition. It is the result of an intense year-long mobilisation of humanitarian actors around the globe and reflects two decades of experience using the standards in front-line operations, policy development and
...
advocacy to uphold principled quality and accountability. With a clear, rights-based framework, the Handbook builds on the legal and ethical foundations of humanitarianism with pragmatic guidance, global good practice and compiled evidence to support humanitarian staff wherever they work." (Foreword)
more
"On 15 May 2017, as a precursor to the annual General Assembly, VOICE hosted an event entitled “Data collection and social media - innovation or challenge for humanitarian aid?”. The event brought together VOICE members, leading practitioners, and academics. The three panellists were Massimo Mar
...
elli, Head of the Data Protection Office at the International Committee of the Red Cross, Kristin Bergtora Sandvik, a Research Professor in Humanitarian Studies at the Peace Research Institute Oslo, and Tanya Penny, Communications Director in Disaster Management at World Vision. The panel was chaired by Mags Bird, Strategy Advisor for VOICE member Mission East. The subject of the debate – data and the use of new technologies and social media in humanitarian action – is extremely topical. The panel discussion and the Q&A with the audience that followed it demonstrated that data, social media, and new technologies undoubtedly present many opportunities for data collection and innovation in the humanitarian sector. However, the event also highlighted the many challenges and questions presented by the rise of new technologies that need to be addressed. Challenges/questions arising include potentially upsetting donors or putting communities and staff in danger through misuse of information available through social media tools, issues surrounding data privacy, and the risks communities may put themselves at when using social media." (Summary)
more
"The Routledge Companion to Humanitarian Action addresses the political, ethical, legal and practical issues which influence reactions to humanitarian crisis. It does so by exploring the daily dilemmas faced by a range of actors, including policy makers, aid workers, the private sector and the benef
...
iciaries of aid, and by challenging common perceptions regarding humanitarian crisis and the policies put in place to address these. Through such explorations, it provides practitioners and scholars with the knowledge needed to both understand and improve upon current forms of humanitarian action. The Companion will be of use to those interested a range of humanitarian programmes ranging from emergency medical assistance, military interventions, managing refugee flows and the implementation of international humanitarian law. As opposed to addressing specific programmes, it explores five themes that are central to understanding and engaging in all modes of humanitarian action. The first section explores varying interpretations of humanitarianism, including critical historical and political-economic explanations as well as more practice based explorations focused on notions needs assessments and evaluation. Following this, readers will be exposed to the latest debates on a range of humanitarian principles including neutrality and sovereignty, before exploring the key issues faced by the main actors involved in humanitarian crisis (from international NGOs to local community based organizations). The final two sections address what are seen as key dilemmas in regards to humanitarian action and emerging trends in the humanitarian system, including the increasing role of social media in responding to crises." (Publisher description)
more
"Information dissemination is constrained by political sensitivity, the vulnerability of public information campaigns to manipulation, the difficulties of ensuring accurate information flow and the logistical impediments of conveying information across Darfur. For these reasons, existing initiatives
...
have been confined to ‘safe’ information – largely related to humanitarian programmes – using existing community structures and word of mouth. A few efforts have been made to incorporate drama, public address systems and illustrations instead of printed information. Mass information campaigns have attempted to reach a broader audience but the methods used are in need of improvement. The major shortfalls are the lack of outreach work by NGOs, an over-reliance on dissemination through sheiks, the lack of explanation as to the long-term nature of protection work, inadequate dissemination of agreements on and principles of voluntary return, the absence of impartial and trusted internal media and a platform on which IDPs can discuss their views and concerns. With regard to safety and security, the situation remains too precarious to engage in informing IDPs on secure areas. In respect of all other categories of information, there are sizeable obstacles to dissemination but it should be possible to circumvent them. The need to do this has been recognised. Darfuris and the humanitarian community need a medium of mass communication through which pressing issues can be dealt with. Existing word of mouth methods can be improved and supported but there will be no substitute for a public platform for discussion and dissemination." (Conclusion)
more
"Although it relies heavily on reliable information and long distance communication, the humanitarian community has never taken the lead in developing technologies that are particularly suited to its needs. Over the last decades it has greatly profited, however, from technological innovations in tel
...
ecommunications and information technology. Besides, a number of applications has been developed that are particularly aimed at the humanitarian community. In particular static products that don’t need to be frequently updated, such as maps, training materials et cetera, have been widely disseminated: the development of this kind of products has become an important aspect of disaster preparedness. Recommendation: Under the heading of disaster preparedness humanitarian organisations should continue to develop information products that can easily be used under a variety of field conditions. Donors, including ECHO, should (continue to) provide funding for such projects. The sharing of these IT tools should be encouraged: as a matter of fact, a culture of sharing information and IT among humanitarian organisations should be promoted." (Executive summary, page 3)
more
"Sharing the Front Line and the Back Hills" points to a crisis facing international institutions and the media who seek to alleviate and report human suffering throughout the world. The goals of the editor are to tell the story of thousands of individuals dedicated to helping others; and to integrat
...
e issues of protection and care into all levels of planning, implementing and evaluating international intervention and action. The book identifies approaches that have proven useful and explores and suggests future directions." (Publisher description)
more