Webinar: Technological innovation and principled humanitarian action

After looking at the legal challenges posed by the increasing development and use of new technologies in warfare, the Reseach and debate cycle on new technologies and the modern battlespace now addresses the impact of such technologies on humanitarian action, in particular in situations of armed conflict and other situations of violence.

The introduction of new technologies in humanitarian action indeed presents opportunities to improve an array of functions and services, such as information gathering, analysis, coordination, training, communication, needs assessment or fundraising. In some instances, new technologies have made it possible for affected communities to become the active participants in humanitarian action and delivery, rather than bystanders.

Several organizations have indeed introduced new technologies to improve their humanitarian work, whether in the realms of assistance (e.g. mobile cash transfers, GIS mapping), protection (e.g. collecting information on affected populations and on violations), and communication (e.g. social media). Although such introduction of new technologies stems from a commitment to improve the quality and the extent of humanitarian activities, actors in this field need to be aware of, understand, and prevent, the potential negative impacts.

The webinar discusses the opportunities and risks linked to the use of such new technologies, including the impact on the principles that govern humanitarian action in situations of armed conflict and other situations of violence.

Listen to the webinar

Panelists

• Lars Bromley, Principal Analyst and Senior Advisor, Human Rights and Security, UN Operational Satellite Applications Program (UNOSAT)
• David Odhiambo, Acting Head, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Department, Kenya Red Cross
• Kristin Bergtora Sandvik, Director, Norwegian Centre for Humanitarian Studies, Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO)
• Balthasar Staehelin, Deputy Director-General, International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)

Moderator

• Vincent Bernard, Editor-in-Chief, International Review of the Red Cross (ICRC)