26
R. Dette
• …work with UAVs or other remote sensing technologies if local stakeholders
seriously object to their use. Remote sensing technologies can be associated with
spying. Using them against the will of local authorities or communities can erode
trust and put operations and staff at risk.
• …invest in technologies where weather or context conditions are prohibitive and
projects and their effects cannot be seen from the sky. Satellites cannot see through
clouds and in some instances regulation might inhibit use. Similarly, where projects
can be seen, but there is no clear idea what visually observable impact would be
expected, remote sensing may not be a worthwhile investment.
• …commit to remote sensing when costs for images and analysis are disproportionate to the overall budget. As of yet, evidence for overall gains or improved
decision-making thanks to satellite use remains limited. Until then, their use should
only be considered where costs are proportionate to overall project budgets and
the expected gains.
When broadcasting information via radio, do not…
• …broadcast information on radio when it reveals the location of vulnerable populations.
• …set up new radio programmes when you cannot guarantee long-term commitment to cater to the need of your listeners. It is not worthwhile to build and audience
if the show soon ends.
• …use radio to support monitoring efforts when you cannot combine it with other
tools and approaches to receive responses to issues raised and questions asked in
the shows.
• …invest in independent radio stations or shows when you cannot engage local
communities. Their help in designing and running radio programmes is critical to
assure local interest and relevance.
2.5 Looking Ahead
Scrutiny on using ICT in conflict settings can shed light and insight relevant to
the broader field of working with technologies for humanitarian, development and
human right purposes. However, the field of practice and literature on technologies
used for humanitarian purposes and to communicate with local communities needs
to be expanded to examine and address risks and mitigation measures. The particular focus on ICT for monitoring aid in access-constrained insecure settings in
this paper provided a lens to view some of the practical and ethical concerns with
using technologies to handle data of vulnerable populations. Other technologies relevant to humanitarian action include hardware (such as 3D printers and biometric
ATMs), medical research (such as genetically modified food and new vaccines),
social media (particularly platforms, messaging apps, and so-called ‘big data’) and
a range of applications for coordinating, planning and implementing aid delivery.
Many of the concerns around digital and physical risks outlined here similarly apply
R. Dette
• …work with UAVs or other remote sensing technologies if local stakeholders
seriously object to their use. Remote sensing technologies can be associated with
spying. Using them against the will of local authorities or communities can erode
trust and put operations and staff at risk.
• …invest in technologies where weather or context conditions are prohibitive and
projects and their effects cannot be seen from the sky. Satellites cannot see through
clouds and in some instances regulation might inhibit use. Similarly, where projects
can be seen, but there is no clear idea what visually observable impact would be
expected, remote sensing may not be a worthwhile investment.
• …commit to remote sensing when costs for images and analysis are disproportionate to the overall budget. As of yet, evidence for overall gains or improved
decision-making thanks to satellite use remains limited. Until then, their use should
only be considered where costs are proportionate to overall project budgets and
the expected gains.
When broadcasting information via radio, do not…
• …broadcast information on radio when it reveals the location of vulnerable populations.
• …set up new radio programmes when you cannot guarantee long-term commitment to cater to the need of your listeners. It is not worthwhile to build and audience
if the show soon ends.
• …use radio to support monitoring efforts when you cannot combine it with other
tools and approaches to receive responses to issues raised and questions asked in
the shows.
• …invest in independent radio stations or shows when you cannot engage local
communities. Their help in designing and running radio programmes is critical to
assure local interest and relevance.
2.5 Looking Ahead
Scrutiny on using ICT in conflict settings can shed light and insight relevant to
the broader field of working with technologies for humanitarian, development and
human right purposes. However, the field of practice and literature on technologies
used for humanitarian purposes and to communicate with local communities needs
to be expanded to examine and address risks and mitigation measures. The particular focus on ICT for monitoring aid in access-constrained insecure settings in
this paper provided a lens to view some of the practical and ethical concerns with
using technologies to handle data of vulnerable populations. Other technologies relevant to humanitarian action include hardware (such as 3D printers and biometric
ATMs), medical research (such as genetically modified food and new vaccines),
social media (particularly platforms, messaging apps, and so-called ‘big data’) and
a range of applications for coordinating, planning and implementing aid delivery.
Many of the concerns around digital and physical risks outlined here similarly apply