REPORT AT A GLANCE
Millions of Yemenis are in need of humanitarian aid, yet large international organizations continue to work towards politically motivated solutions, rather than prioritizing the needs of civilians. In working to implement a biometric aid delivery system throughout the country, international aid institutions have failed to implement an aid system without compromising the safety of already vulnerable populations.
The desire of international aid organizations to use a biometric aid system stems from the concern over stolen aid and corruption in the supply chain but subsequently fails to account for the threats posed by gathering large amounts of data from the population in exchange for aid. If a biometric aid delivery system is implemented in Yemen, aid organizations must work diligently and transparently to educate civilians on where their data is going and what it could potentially be used for.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
> The humanitarian aid system in Yemen needs to be completely restructured to more effectively deliver aid.
> Biometric technology poses significant threats to vulnerable populations and their data.
> Without a full understanding of some of the consequences to biometric technology, international aid organizations will continue to
struggle to implement this system in Yemen.
> The humanitarian crisis in Yemen is bleak, and aid organizations must prioritize civilians’ access to aid above political motivations and technology that may not be adequate in a Yemeni context.
> Humanitarian efforts in Yemen should continue to be funded by the international community, with focus on improving the livelihoods, rather than creating a dependency on aide.