The United Nations has issued a stark warning about the dangers of misinformation and hate speech, exacerbated by artificial intelligence, which are inciting harm to refugees worldwide. The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, has called on tech giants to help combat this growing threat.
Misinformation and Hate Speech Threaten Refugees
According to UNHCR, misinformation and hate speech are spreading rapidly, often through AI-driven platforms, leading to real-world harm for refugees. This includes false narratives that target refugee operations and staff, reducing access to jobs, education, and threatening social cohesion.
AI's Dual Role in Humanitarian Crises
While AI can exacerbate the spread of misinformation, UNHCR believes it can also be a powerful tool for managing humanitarian crises if used correctly. The agency is participating in the AI for Good Global Summit in Geneva to highlight the potential of AI in addressing global challenges.
Call to Action for Tech Companies
UNHCR's senior advisor on information integrity, Gisella Lomax, urged tech companies, AI firms, and digital platforms to partner with humanitarian organizations. She emphasized the need for content moderation tools that work in humanitarian contexts and support less-common languages.
The Scale of Displacement
UNHCR reports that there were 117.8 million forcibly displaced people worldwide at the end of 2025, with 68.7 million internally displaced and 35.6 million refugees. Two-thirds of these refugees come from five countries: Venezuela, Ukraine, Syria, Afghanistan, and Sudan.
Why This Matters for Bangladesh
For Bangladesh, a country that has hosted significant numbers of refugees, particularly from Myanmar, the issue of misinformation and its impact on refugee safety is critically important. Ensuring the protection of refugees and maintaining social cohesion is essential for the country's stability and humanitarian efforts.
