RECONNECTING REFUGEES: AN EVALUATION OF THE CONNECTIVITY FOR REFUGEES INITIATIVE

Abstract

Refugees and forcibly displaced populations currently face unprecedented threats to their safety and security, but advancements in technology present unique relief to these threats. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Innovation Service enacted the Connectivity for Refugees initiative to utilize these advancements through their connectivity interventions to improve the usability, accessibility, and affordability of connectivity for refugees. The benefits conferred through this initiative would have lasting impacts in mitigating the plight of refugees, but the likelihood of doing so is debated. Furthermore, even if interventions are effectively implemented and benefits are conferred; does the risk of abuse of the initiative’s created infrastructure undermine the success and integrity of the initiative? Ultimately, strategic implementation and support from partnerships will circumvent the obstacles to connectivity and aid in ensuring the abuses of infrastructure are avoided. Initiative operations began at chosen test sites, providing data-driven insights into how to effectively implement interventions worldwide. If the lessons learned from pilot activities are integrated into future strategy, the Connectivity for Refugees initiative warrants further investigation and investment.