Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Humanitarian Response

Until recently, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, or UAVs, had been largely associated in the public mind with military uses, particularly armed attacks. However, increasing civilian use by hobbyists, researchers and others has started to change perceptions. UAVs, also known as remotely piloted aircraft or drones, are already used commercially for agriculture, surveying, wildlife monitoring and conservation, real estate assessments and other areas. Civilian use is likely to rise, with one study estimating that the agricultural market for UAVs could be up to ten times the public safety market. UAVs are reaching a critical juncture in their development, as regulations emerge in many countries and the technology becomes affordable enough for mass use.
This report will outline potential uses of UAVs in humanitarian response and emerging issues. It will also consider how humanitarians should engage with the capacities offered by UAVs used by peacekeepers or militaries in humanitarian contexts. The report will not cover the legal and ethical implications of armed UAVs or other autonomous weapons systems, although the continuing debate over their use in armed attacks will surely have an impact on the acceptance of civilian uses.