Empowering Refugees Through Technology

by Clara Larsen

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is revolutionizing our day-to-day lives, and increasingly so in crisis situations as well, guiding asylum seekers on their journey and helping them to find their footing in their host country. However, access to this technology, information, resources and educational, financial and social services is still something refugees and displaced persons often lack. The tech community must make greater efforts to ensure a higher level of safety for these people, to avoid potential risks and harms. Developing technology that both protects and empowers them is important in order to create positive change in the global refugee system.

How can technology empower refugees?

In order to facilitate refugees’ access to technology, it is necessary to understand what is needed and how it can help them. The first essential is a connection to the internet. No internet connectivity renders mobile phones and other devices practically useless, which is why this is an issue that needs to be addressed before moving forward with other technological equipment. UNHCR statistics show rural refugees have less access to connectivity than the urban population, with only 17% of rural refugees living in areas with 3G coverage compared to 29% of the global rural population. Digital literacy can also be a big help. This refers to the ability to navigate and understand a website, the practice of software skills and a familiarity with the digital world. This presents refugees with a large range of opportunities, making them more employable and able to find job offers online. Additionally, education is often an issue where refugee children are concerned, something only heightened by the Covid-19 crisis. Access to remote learning would not only be beneficial during the pandemic but is also an opportunity to increase access to education in general. Moreover, a digital identity is essential, given the ever-growing role of technology in our everyday lives. There is an expanding need to ensure refugees’ access to ID cards, birth certificates and other identity documents which are often required for accessing basic services and for socio-economic development. Though relying on the digital world comes with its own issues — predominantly concerning existing biases or power imbalances — the reality is that in this day and age, a digital identity often equals a legal identity. Ensuring this access is therefore fundamental in empowering and protecting refugees.

What is being done to address the issue of access?

UNHCR

• The UNHCR provides information to refugees about asylum applications, services available and local policies through a variety of websites and platforms.
• The UNHCR is ensuring the security of identity documents and electronic cash assistance to allow refugees to be more independent.

Governments

• Host governments can provide connectivity solutions by offering incentives to the private sector.
• By including them in their national security systems, host governments can give refugees access to a legal and digital identity.
• Host governments can improve infrastructure in their country to facilitate the reception of refugees.
• Overall, governments can support the development of the digital world in a refugee context and ensure the benefits are equally shared by all.

Tech companies/businesses

• Tech companies can provide power to refugee camps.
• Telecom operators can improve the speed and quality of connectivity in refugee communities, for example by setting up 3G/4G towers in these areas.
• Businesses are helping to improve digital literacy and providing online education. For example, Instant Network Schools is a program set up by UNHCR and Vodafone which aims to give refugees, host communities and educators access to the internet and digital learning in some of the most marginalised areas in Africa.

References

GMSA. (2021) The Digital Lives of Refugees https://www.gsma.com/mobilefordevelopment/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/The-Digital-Lives-of-Refugees.pdf

United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. (n.d.) Empowering Refugees Through Technology UNHCR. https://www.unhcr.org/events/campaigns/5fc126394/empowering-refugees-through-technology.html