Paper details
| Paper authors | Bilal Ahmed, Muhammad Asim Hanif Bhatti, Bushra Haq |
| In panel on | Humanitarian Accountability in Technology |
| Paper presenter(s) will be presenting |
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Abstract
Humanitarian operations in disaster-affected areas have always been delayed by the lack of integrated information systems, causing poor transparency as well as insufficient oversight. Such factors have considerable effects on the efficacy of the intervention and the trust placed in the various stakeholders involved. To fill these gaps, a Project Monitoring Information System (PMIS) was developed as an evolutionary approach to implement digitized accountability within a comprehensive recovery program. With its improved data integrity and evidence-driven decision-making objectives, the PMIS aimed at the integration of real-time monitoring with automated beneficiary verification, leveraging CNIC parsing and an advanced Grievance Redress Mechanism, a multi-channel complaint resolution system. The integration of the PMIS enhanced transparency, reduced data errors, and increased the engagement of beneficiaries. The experience also highlighted important lessons: continuous capacity building was essential to fill the digital literacy gap; adaptation to context was needed for low-connectivity scenarios; and strong data protection measures were necessary to safeguard necessary information. Considering these insights, the paper recommends focusing on the user-centered design, emphasizing security and ethical protections alongside governance planning, considering data confidentiality, retention limits, and restricted provisions regarding access. This case illustrates that with a proper, nuanced strategy approach, digitally integrated solutions can significantly enhance humanitarian responsiveness, exponentially expanding the impact of nonprofit humanitarian activities even in complex disaster situations.
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