AI Chatbots Aim to Revolutionize Humanitarian Aid Amidst Rising Displacement

The International Rescue Committee is leveraging AI to bridge resource gaps, but potential risks loom large.

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is utilizing AI chatbots to expand its Signpost project, aiming to reach half of the world's displaced population within three years.
AI tools are being deployed to address increased humanitarian needs due to conflicts, climate emergencies, and economic hardships, with over 117 million people displaced in 2024.
The Signpost project, operational in countries like El Salvador and Kenya, uses AI to provide multilingual assistance, supported by tech giants like OpenAI, Anthropic, and Google.
Concerns about AI include potential misinformation if chatbots are outdated and data privacy risks, as sensitive information could be targeted by malicious actors.
Experts emphasize the importance of involving local communities and ensuring ethical AI deployment to avoid replicating existing power imbalances and biases.