Supporting value sensitivity in the humanitarian use of drones through an ethics assessment framework

Ning Wang,Nikola Biller-Andorno,Markus Christen,Matthew Hunt

doi:10.1017/s1816383121000989

Abstract

AbstractThe current humanitarian use of drones is focused on two applications: disaster mapping and medical supply delivery. In response to the growing interest in drone deployment in the aid sector, we sought to develop a resource to support value sensitivity in humanitarian drone activities. Following a bottom-up approach encompassing a comprehensive literature review, two empirical studies, a review of guidance documents, and consultations with experts, this work illuminates the nature and scope of ethical challenges encountered by humanitarian organizations embarking upon innovation programmes. The Framework for the Ethics Assessment of Humanitarian Drones (FEAHD) identifies five values and five key questions related to ethical considerations along the decision chain of humanitarian drone activities. It fills a gap between high-level, principle-based guidance related to humanitarian innovation, and detailed operation-oriented checklists for projects involving the use of drones. In this way, the FEAHD contributes to support value sensitivity in the humanitarian use of drones.

Highlights

Emerging technologies are widely used in humanitarian and development settings by aid agencies around the globe1 – a development that has been discussed critically in the humanitarian sector.[2]
This study offers insights for critical reflection on the trend of the “African drone rise”, whereby drones and Africa are being construed as solutions to each other’s problems, opening up questions with respect to the ethical and societal implications of using drones in the aid sector in light of two key concerns: (1) the social implications of such practices across different settings; and (2) the normative role of technology in the aid sector, especially where it appears to be a solution looking for a problem.[40]
Building on the previous steps, a crucial component of the framework development was consultation with a range of individuals involved in humanitarian use of drones (HUD), and with scholars working in areas relevant to this domain

Summary

Introduction

Emerging technologies are widely used in humanitarian and development settings by aid agencies around the globe1 – a development that has been discussed critically in the humanitarian sector.[2]. As humanitarian needs and the complexity of aid programmes in challenging conditions continue to expand, populations affected by natural disasters or living in remote locations experience significant obstacles to recovery in post-disaster environments or to receive aid supplies. This situation potentially widens the gap of equitable access to assistance for people experiencing heightened vulnerability

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion