The humanitarian sector has been building its digital transformation muscles for years now, progressively creating a parallel dimension of aid running in parallel to - and sometimes replacing - traditional forms of assistance. Society had already leaped into the digital age and tries to find a way to securely and safely navigate the challenges of algorithmic systems and AI technology in the face of growing digital divides, weaponization of civilian digital systems, normalised shutdowns, and the relentless manipulation of the information ecosystem online. Although international bodies increasingly recognise that human rights and humanitarian norms apply in cyberspace, these issues remain largely abstract in forums where the protection of civilians and the safety and security of humanitarian personnel should be discussed and advanced.

The weaponisation of connectivity is already having concrete consequences for humanitarian safety and security for both aid organisations, their staff, operations, and the communities they serve. Hostile coordinated campaigns online leading to forced exits of key humanitarian actors in West Africa; cyberattacks have crippled Palestinian NGOs’ ability to operate; and shutdowns in Myanmar, Ukraine, and Sudan have severed communities from assistance, obscured abuses, and heightened risks for staff and local partners. Digital systems are increasingly being turned against humanitarians at a time when physical access is shrinking.

Efforts such as the ICT workstream of the Global Initiative to Galvanize Political Commitment to IHL point ot the need to clarify protections for humanitarian data and digital systems. However, the lack of consensus leaves organisations uncertain about their obligations and complicates the responsible implementation of digital security frameworks - creating direct implications for security risk management, duty of care, and access negotiations.

Moderator:
Giulio Coppi, Senior Humanitarian Officer, Access Now

In this session we aim to bring together key representatives covering both local and global perspectives to develop a shared roadmap to fill this gap and ensure that the "humanitarian reset" delivers a protection of civilians framework that is fit for purpose in the digital age.