Journal Article

Identity management in disaster response environments: A child exploitation mitigation perspective

David Lacey, Kathryn Allan

2018

Overview

The immediate disaster response environment exposes people to a multitude of risks, including identity risks. Those working in disaster response environments use identity management systems to protect people, especially vulnerable people and children. This paper examines identity management systems and the way they address risks of child trafficking and exploitation. This research offers a unique perspective into the experiences of non-state actors and the role they play in identity management systems during disaster response. A case study of Tropical Cyclone Winston is used to explore views of identity management and how they reduce risks to children. The case study showed that the role of the community in identity management, verification and associated controls were geographically concentrated and not readily portable. This created risks to children of trafficking and exploitation, particularly where evacuation centres and shelters were geographically removed from the children's communities. An Event Analysis of Systemic Teamwork method revealed that those working in the disaster response environment rely heavily on information from the community and government when identifying children. Where there are gaps in the information and social networks in the identity management process there are significant risks to children. These insights are relevant to disaster response planning.

• Subject: Child trafficking victims / Child welfare / Disasters / Emergency management / Management / Risk assessment