Signpost is a project led by the International Rescue Committee (IRC). It creates digital hubs that give vital information to people affected by crises, conflict, and disasters. The project equips local teams with advanced digital tools and channels, such as social media. This helps them reach the communities that need help the most.
Information is power
In 2015, Signpost's launch coincided with 65 million people being forcibly displaced globally. . The number has now climbed to 123 million people. Signpost connects with people in crisis worldwide, thanks to over 4 billion mobile internet users and support from Google.org, Zendesk, and the Cisco Foundation. Today, Signpost programs operate in nearly 30 countries and 25 languages.
How does Signpost work?
Through Signpost, the world's most vulnerable communities gain access to vital, reliable information. Signpost built its innovative design around three key features:
- Service Mapping – Service maps show users verified information about services based on their location.
- Community-Led Content – Community-led content on Signpost simplifies and customizes information for specific communities. Program websites and social media channels then publish this content.
- Two-way communications: Signpost’s discussion channels offer two-way communication, allowing users to ask questions and receive reliable answers in less than 24 hours. Frequently asked questions include:
- Are there any organizations in my host country that can help me find a job?
- My asylum application has been pending for two years. What can I do?
- Where can I access free legal advice for me and my family?
Maryam’s experience with Signpost in Italy
Forced from their home in Afghanistan, Maryam and her family moved to Italy in 2021. Initially, Maryam found it hard to adapt because of the language barrier. Navigating the legal system left her feeling totally lost.
Despite asking about Italy’s refugee policies and necessary documents, she received no helpful information. Then, she discovered Refugee.Info Italy–the Signpost program in Italy–where she could access urgently needed information about the issues she was facing in a language she could understand.
“First of all, accurate information is important for every person, and it's most important for those who are new, in a place where they are not aware of the government and their policies, nothing,” she says.
After facing these challenges personally, Maryam now works for the IRC in Italy as a social media moderator on the Refugee.Info project, which uses Signpost technology. “When our clients or our audience are sending messages to our social media platforms, they are available in six languages,” she shares. “So when they are sending messages, they feel very happy that we are able to communicate with them in a language that they can understand… And they are recommending our page to others in need.”
Unlocking Artificial Intelligence for good
With artificial intelligence, Signpost is aiming to reach a target of 50% of the world's displaced population.
Signpost and Google are collaborating on an AI testing lab to evaluate AI performance in diverse situations. The partnership with Google provides Signpost with access to advanced AI models and resources, enabling comprehensive testing across various scenarios. This collaboration ensures that the AI tools developed are both safe and effective for deployment in humanitarian settings, ultimately aiming to improve the reach and quality of aid provided to those in need.
Signpost’s latest program: Support for asylum seekers in NYC
Signpost and IRC are excited to announce the launch of Documented.Info, a project developed with Documented, a non-profit news organization covering NYC's immigrant communities.
Documented.info offers asylum seekers in NYC multilingual, reliable information on shelter, mental health, employment eligibility, and legal aid.
Are you in crisis or displaced and in need of urgent information?
Visit the Signpost site for more information or look below for Signpost offerings by country.
- Beporsed (“Ask Us” in Dari) provides information about resettlement, visa processes and other relocation options for Afghan people currently in Afghanistan.
- Bolo provides information about key services for vulnerable individuals and communities in Pakistan, including information about civil, legal, disability and social safety support services.
- CuentaNos provides displaced people in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras with information about civil society and governmental services, including the location, contact information and access procedures for key government offices.
- Documented.info is a joint program with the NGO Documented to support newcomers in New York, USA.
- Gidan Bayani supports displaced communities in northeast Nigeria with information.
- ImportaMi provides reliable information to unaccompanied children and their sponsors in the United States.
- Info Boca Bouch provides information on rights and services for refugees in the Dominican Republic.
- InfoDigna provides reliable information to refugees and asylum seekers in Mexico.
- InfoPa’lante Colombia maps out key government services and explains complex legal processes to those who need it in Colombia.
- InfoPa’lante Ecuador provides information on key government services and safe living conditions for people displaced from Venezuela in Ecuador.
- Ven Informado/InfoPa’lante Peru ain partnership with a local organization, Ven Informado, the program provides information and guidance to refugees arriving in Peru.
- InfoSheba provides information services for Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi host communities.
- Infotadar – provides information for people in Thailand.
- Julisha.info was established in Kenya to provide information aboutt services for displaced people in Nairobi, and the Hagadera and Kakuma refugee camps.
- Kade Nafham provides information on humanitarian services, health and protection concerns for people impacted by conflict in Sudan.
- Kibaru.info* provides information for internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees, migrants and asylum seekers in- Burkina Faso
- Malomat provides information on resources and services for people in Libya
- Refugee.Info is Signpost’s flagship effort, launched in Greece in 2015 and designed to share key information to people seeking international protection. It has since expanded to Italy and remains active in both countries.
- SettleIn provides reliable information to refugees from Afghanistan and Ukraine as they adapt to life in the United States.
- Sheega.info provides information about aidsafe routes and services available for refugees, asylum seekers and host communities in displaced peoplein transit across Niger.
- Simaet Bhatha provides information about services available to refugees and IDPs in Iraq.
- Tubulire provides information and resources to refugee, asylum seekers and host communities in Uganda.