Our Latest Articles
Data protection is part and parcel of refugee protection
At a time when new data protection rules come into force in Europe, Alexander Beck, UNHCR Senior Data Protection Officer, answers question on privacy rights and data protection for refugees.
The desert where you call the ambulance by WhatsApp
Internet connectivity can make a huge difference to relief activities and the lives of refugees. For the men, women and children of Sayam Forage camp in Niger, who fled Boko Haram’s violence in Nigeria, the camp is now an oasis of hope surrounded by harsh, unforgiving desert.
Internet connectivity and mobile phones good for refugee businesses
Read Esperanza’s story to learn more on how a good internet connectivity and wide spread use of mobile phones in Kakuma refugee camp (Kenya) have opened up business opportunities for refugees.
re:publica 2018 – (Digital) Identity: The Haves and Have-Nots
Discussion on identity and digital inclusion with Karl Steinacker, Team Leader for Digital Identity with UNHCR and Valerie Khan, Independent Advisor on Digital Identity, that took place on 4 May 2018 at the #rp18 conference in Berlin.
Blockchain for Refugees: Great Hopes, Deep Concerns
Article published on the website of Bosphorus Migration Studies, which is an independent “think-together tank” based in Turkey.
3 Ways to Move From Hype to Practice in Digital Development
Article by Nora Lindström on blockchain first published by ICTworks.
Beware the Notion That Better Data Lead to Better Outcomes for Refugees and Migrants
OpEd on the need for better data by Dr Jeff Crisp published by Chatham House. Views expressed in the article belong to the author and do not necessarily reflect the position of UNHCR.
Who are the 1 billion without identity?
ID4D Annual Global Dataset on population without an officially recognized proof of identity.
Women need technology, and technology needs women.
Celebrating International Girls in ICT Day 2018 by shining a spotlight on some of the remarkable women working to achieve UNHCR’s ICT objectives.
Where refugee women learn coding
Inspiring story about Syrian civil engineer Anan Jakich, refugee in Germany, who has joined a community of women newcomers rebuilding their lives through a shared love of technology.
Three Future Scenarios for Digital Identities in Developing Countries
In “Three Future Scenarios for Digital Identities in Developing Countries”, Kathleen Yaworsky of the non-profit fintech Accion, attempts to map the next 10 years of digital identity development. Her article is published on the ICTworks blog for new technologies and development.
Countdown for accelerated PRIMES roll-out starting in May
To register refugees from Venezuela in Brazil, UNHCR Field teams are using a brand new application for mobile devices: Rapid Application (RApp) which allows for the rapid input of identity related data in an off-line modus.