Guidance notes: data responsability in humanitarian action

Since 2019, the Center for Humanitarian Data has published a series of guidance notes on Data Responsibility in Humanitarian Action.

Through this series, the Center aims to provide additional guidance on specific issues, processes, and tools for Data Responsability in practice, to complement the OCHA Guidelines on Data Accountability and the IASC Operational Guidelines on Data Accountability in Humanitarian Action. The notes cover topics such as statistical data disclosure controls, managing data incidents, and responsible data sharing with donors, among others.

• Note 1: Statistical Disclosure Control

An overview of statistical disclosure control, a technique for reducing the risk of re-identification in the management of sensitive data from household surveys or evaluations (microdata.) 

• Note 2: Data Incident Management

How to handle data management incidents that have caused harm or are likely to cause harm.

• Note 3: Data Responsibility In Public-Private Partnerships

Recommendations on designing responsible partnerships between humanitarian organizations and the private sector on data and technology initiatives.

• Note 4: Humanitarian Data Ethics

How to identify, assess, and manage ethical issues in data-related programs and initiatives.

• Note 5: Data Impact Assessments

Guidance for humanitarians on how to decide whether to conduct a data impact assessment, with examples of data impact assessment tools.

• Note 6: Data Responsibility In Cash And Voucher Assistance

An overview of the common benefits and risks related to data in money transfers, and a set of steps that money actors can take to improve Data Accountability.

• Note 7: Responsible Data Sharing With Donors

An overview of the objectives and constraints for sharing data with donors, and initial recommendations on how donors and humanitarian organizations can share data.

• Note 8: Responsible Approaches To Data Sharing

Common examples of sensitive non-personal data, and an approach to information and data sensitivity classification for humanitarian organizations.