Towards more foundational humanitarian Self-Sovereign Identity systems

Abstract

Situation: A large portion of the beneficiaries of humanitarian aid have little to no proof of their identity, this is especially the case in African countries, in which humanitarian intervention is common. In order to facilitate aid to these individuals, humanitarian organizations (HOs) leverage their on-the-ground capacity to create identity profiles and risk assessments of these people. However, in-kind aid is being increasingly replaced by Cash Transfer Programs (CTPs). In CTPs, beneficiaries are provided with funding to self-procure their necessities. Complication: For efficient CTPs, these humanitarian identities need to be accepted beyond the boundaries of humanitarian aid. However, by relying on traditional identity management systems, HOs expose the beneficiaries to security and function creep risks. In order to share beneficiary identity information in a more responsible way, HOs have started to leverage Self-Sovereign Identity (SSI) systems. These SSI systems need to be scaled up to a more foundational nature in order to facilitate private-sector services. For this a collaboration with national public- and private stakeholders is required. In order to realize that, there is a need for a process design. Which among other things ensures support from crucial stakeholders. Approach: This study used a Design Science Research inspired approach, combined with a Systems Engineering perspective to explicate the problem, define support driving and constraining circumstances and conditions, generate principles for the humanitarian sector to create support driving circumstances and conditions in Kenya and validate these principles using the input of industry experts. This research approach had a focus of practical insights over theoretical insights. Results: A set of five validated support nurturing principles were established with which humanitarian organizations can nurture support for a more foundational humanitarian SSI system in Kenya. Additionally, a framework has been composed with which local circumstances and conditions in a country can be assessed. Next steps: Further research should focus on establishing a more complete process design for a collaboration process, which also deals with participation of stakeholders, structures commitment and defines process rules for different phases of the process. Additionally, further research should explore the capacity and willingness of beneficiaries to control their own identity. And finally, the effect of international innovation initiation on the willingness of national stakeholders should be explored.