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UNHCR
AI APPROACH

We use artificial intelligence to enhance protection and services for forcibly displaced and stateless people – responsibly, transparently, and always with human oversight.

UNHCR’s AI Approach provides a strategic framework for using artificial intelligence in humanitarian contexts.

Rooted in human rights and humanitarian principles, it aims to improve outcomes for forcibly displaced and stateless people through responsible, inclusive, and transparent AI deployment.

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How does UNHCR use AI?

    AI for protection and service delivery

    UNHCR is deploying AI tools to:

    • Support multilingual service access via Digital Gateway and Help.AI.
    • Enhance Refugee Status Determination (RSD) processes.
    • Detect digital risks like misinformation and online gender-based violence.
    • Analyze community feedback for better programming.
    • Improve legal access and automate transcription for interviews.

    AI for humanitarian decision-making

    AI is used to:

    • Forecast displacement through a Global Early Warning System.
    • Model climate-related risks.
    • Optimize supply chains and strategic planning.
    • Provide real-time insights via nowcasting.

    AI for internal efficiency

    UNHCR is streamlining operations with:

    • GenAI assistants for reporting, HR, and finance.
    • A centralized AI Knowledge Hub.
    • AI-enhanced communications and donor engagement.
    • Automated back-office tasks.

    AI for oversight and integrity

    AI supports:

    • Data-driven planning and policy development.
    • Anomaly detection in registration and financial systems.

    How is UNHCR strengthening AI capacity internally?

    UNHCR is committed to equipping all staff with foundational AI and digital literacy to foster informed, ethical, and effective use of emerging technologies.

    This includes:

    Baseline AI training

    Ensuring all employees understand the practical applications and limitations of AI in humanitarian contexts.

    Tool adoption

    Gradual integration of GenAI-powered assistants and strategic planning platforms into daily workflows.

    Specialized learning resources

    Webinars, intranet guides, and communities of practice to build in-house expertise.

    Ethical foundations

    Training aligned with UNHCR’s data protection, privacy, and human rights frameworks to ensure responsible AI use.

    Inclusive learning

    Programmes tailored to varying levels of AI knowledge, encouraging safe and approved tool usage.

    What safeguards are in place to ensure ethical AI use?

    UNHCR’s AI Approach is a model for ethical innovation in humanitarian work. It ensures that technology serves people, not the other way around, delivering faster, fairer, and more effective support to those in need.

     

    • Ethical and human rights-based. This foundation ensures that AI adoption strengthens protection outcomes while safeguarding the rights and dignity of displaced and stateless populations
    • Embrace AI responsibility by design. Maintaining the integrity of AI-assisted processes is essential to upholding the trust placed in UNHCR and ensuring institutional accountability.
    • Champion people-centred AI. Human centricity is being embedded into the core of all AI initiatives, through the testing of new products with communities, designing different human centered processes, a commitment to shifting power dynamics, or adapting proven approaches to fit local needs and realities.
    • Ensure robust internal governance. UNHCR’s governance of AI is being built on existing institutional processes and established decision-making structures.
    • Foster meaningful partnerships. UNHCR’s engagement in AI is driven by strong collaboration across a diverse range of partners, including governments, international institutions and other UN agencies.

    How does UNHCR advocate and engage on responsible AI?

    UNHCR is actively engaging in global conversations to promote the ethical use of artificial intelligence in humanitarian contexts.

    The organization advocates for AI systems that are rights-based, inclusive, transparent and accountable.

    Global collaboration

    UNHCR collaborates with:

    • UN agencies to align AI governance with humanitarian principles.
    • Governments and civil society to shape policies that protect displaced populations.
    • Academic and private sector partners to promote responsible innovation.

    Protecting affected populations

    UNHCR emphasizes the need for:

    • Safeguards against bias and discrimination in AI systems.
    • Community participation in AI design and deployment.
    • Clear accountability mechanisms for AI-driven decisions.

    Thought leadership

    UNHCR contributes to:

    • Policy dialogues on AI ethics and governance.
    • Research and publications that highlight risks and opportunities of AI in humanitarian work.
    • Global standards for responsible AI development.