This practical guide, developed in partnership with Data Friendly Space, introduces humanitarian professionals to the concept of "human-in-the-loop" (HITL) AI, a foundational principle for responsible AI deployment in the sector. Designed as an accessible, jargon-free resource, it equips individuals and organizations with the knowledge to meaningfully embed human oversight into AI-assisted workflows.
The guide emerges from a 2025–26 joint research initiative between the Humanitarian Leadership Academy and Data Friendly Space, examining the current state and future potential of AI in the humanitarian sector. It translates key findings from that research into actionable guidance for practitioners at all levels of technical familiarity.
At its core, the guide argues that AI tools in humanitarian contexts should augment, not replace, human judgment. Maintaining human oversight is not merely a technical consideration but a professional and ethical imperative, particularly given the high-stakes, vulnerable-population contexts in which humanitarian organizations operate.
The resource is intended to support individuals in critically evaluating AI outputs, and to help teams and organizations cultivate a shared culture of responsible AI use, one grounded in transparency, accountability, and the protection of the people they serve.
Spanish version: https://www.datafriendlyspace.org/resources/guia-etica-la-ia-y-el-humano-en-el-bucle-en-el-sector-humanitario
French version: https://www.datafriendlyspace.org/resources/guide-ethique-lia-et-lhumain-dans-la-boucle-dans-le-secteur-humanitaire
