Conflict Zones, Refugees and Migration

Earth Observation (EO) has become increasingly important for humanitarian efforts, particularly in monitoring conflict zones and managing refugee crises. By providing real-time, accurate, and comprehensive data, EO can significantly enhance the effectiveness of responses to complex emergencies.

Examples of projects that have utilised EO data include Eyes on Dufur, which was launched in June 2007 by Amnesty International, to  reveal the number of villages being destroyed in Sudan.

Satellite data also provide invaluable insights into large-scale movements of displaced populations, especially towards refugee camps. By integrating this data with on-the-ground information, we gain a more comprehensive understanding of migration dynamics, which is essential for effective crisis management and intervention.

People can be internally displaced or forced to leave their countries as refugees due to famine, conflict, and natural disasters. Satellite images can identify temporary shelters, where tented camps appear on previously empty landscapes. Over time, some of these camps evolve into long-term settlements, necessitating planning and support from aid agencies and local governments to accommodate the new communities.

For organisations like the World Bank, which focus on improving the lives of the impoverished and displaced, advanced satellite imagery is a critical tool. It enables detailed assessments of damage in conflict zones, such as those conducted in Syrian cities like Aleppo and Homs. The near real-time analysis ensures that response efforts are based on the latest and most accurate data, facilitating more effective rebuilding and support initiatives.