Supporting survivors of conflict-related sexual violence
Conflict-related sexual violence has reached alarming levels globally, with the UNHCR reporting that it is soaring both in war zones and along migration routes. During 2022, the Office of the UN Special Representative on Conflict-Related Sexual Violence reported 2,455 official cases globally in conflict and post-conflict areas, 94% of which involved women and girls. This […]
Protecting human expertise in an age of automation and budget cuts
By Aimee Ansari and Catherine Fox Both the language services industry and the humanitarian and development aid sector have been going through huge and painful changes recently. Language services are facing severe pressure from the impacts of machine translation and AI, which threaten the prospects and viability of freelancers and industry professionals. Meanwhile, changes in […]
Our impact on language AI: a strategic evaluation and insight for the road ahead
Access to technology still depends on the language a person speaks. While voice assistants, transcription tools, and text-to-speech systems are becoming common in major global languages, millions of people who speak marginalized or low-resource languages remain excluded. To better understand CLEAR Global’s impact as an organization focused on low-resource language technology, and to guide our […]
Language support for people on the move: Our collaboration with UNICEF’s U-Report
CLEAR Global has partnered with U-Report On The Move, a digital platform developed by UNICEF to support young migrants and refugees in Italy. The platform is designed for unaccompanied minors and young people on the move, offering a space where they can access accurate information, receive support, and take part in shaping the policies and […]
The right information in the right language for Myanmar humanitarian staff
Earlier this year, we had the opportunity to collaborate with Internews, with funding from the H2H Network, to strengthen the aid sector in Myanmar. Recognizing the critical importance of ensuring that the right people have access to the right information in the right language, Internews developed courses designed to help humanitarian staff counter dis- and […]
The silent barrier undermining humanitarian impact
In an era of escalating crises, from conflict to climate-induced disasters, humanitarian assistance must reach more people and do so more effectively. Yet one crucial element often overlooked in delivering impactful aid is language. Language inclusion is not a peripheral concern; it is central to accountability to affected people (AAP). Without it, aid cannot be […]
Through Nadine’s Eyes: The Experiences of our Volunteer Community
Meet Nadine, a French-English bilingual translator whose journey reflects the experiences of many Translators without Borders (TWB) community members. Her story, inspired by the voices and insights shared in the 2024 TWB Community survey, offers a genuine glimpse into the heart of our volunteer network. Nadine’s motivations and challenges reflect those of many in our […]
Resilient Voices: Language as a Pillar in Indigenous Risk Management
Languages are an essential part of culture and the shaping of groups, peoples and nations. They allow us to name the world, to get to know it and recognize it from our understanding, memory and collective experience. Language cuts across history, culture, socio-political and environmental context and their transformations over time. Language cuts across history, […]
Advancing data inclusivity: The Impact of Translating the KoboToolbox Essentials Course
KoboToolbox is the leading open source data tool for challenging environments. It is used by thousands of nonprofits worldwide for data-informed action in humanitarian response, development, health, environmental protection, and many other crucial social impact initiatives. Kobo, the nonprofit behind KoboToolbox, promotes data-driven impact and supports access to innovative and reliable data tools on a […]
We have a plan to expand language AI for social impact: join us!
CLEAR Global has a plan to radically expand the availability of language AI for speakers of marginalized languages, in partnership with other social impact organizations. We have a record of pioneering and advocating for the development of language technology for marginalized communities – opening the way for others. Our early automatic speech recognition and machine […]