Definition
responsibility of humanitarian actors to use power responsibly and be answerable to an affected population for decisions and actions that concern them
AidGPT working definition. Source basis below.
Notes to entry
Note 1 to entry: People need accessible information, opportunities to influence decisions and safe ways to raise concerns and receive a response. Keep responsibility with the people and organisations making or authorising decisions, including when AI supports their work.
Note 2 to entry: This is an AidGPT working definition informed by the Core Humanitarian Standard. It is not a quotation. The Humanitarian Encyclopedia currently lists its Accountability concept as work in progress, so it is not cited as the source of this wording.
Note 3 to entry: In an AI use, answerability includes explaining when AI shapes decisions and providing ways to question, challenge and seek a response, even for people who never interact with the system.
Source basis
AidGPT working definition. These sources informed the concept and its scope. They did not issue or approve this wording.
- Core Humanitarian Standard on Quality and Accountability, 2024 (Humanitarian sector standard)
- CDAC Network, SAFE AI Framework, version 1.2 (2026) (Humanitarian AI governance framework)
- CDAC Network, SAFE AI Tools and Guidance, version 1.2 (2026) (Humanitarian AI governance guidance)