Our Latest Articles
Biometrics innovation: Transforming the way we collect fingerprints at UNHCR
In 2002, UNHCR introduced biometrics, and leveraged the technology to manage the identity of the people it serves effectively. By capturing up to 10 fingerprints, 2 irises and a face photo during the initial encounter, biometrics play a crucial role from confirming an individual’s physical presence to providing assistance. UNHCR’s Biometric Identity Management System (BIMS) serves a diverse user base including UNHCR staff, partners, governments, and soon refugees themselves through self-service applications, all in a user-friendly manner. While BIMS has undergone countless improvements throughout the years, the biometric scanner devices used have remained largely unchanged.
Measuring foundational learning in forced displacement: field insights and lessons
As part of a larger holistic learning measurement project to address the lack of data on learning outcomes of refugee children, UNHCR piloted a learning assessment in Mauritania.
Transforming lives through education: a brighter future for refugee children
Imagine a world where every child, regardless of their circumstances, has the chance to learn, grow, and succeed. For refugee children, education is not just a right; it’s a pathway to self-reliance. Over the past decade, we’ve seen a global movement recognizing the urgency of integrating refugee children into national education systems as swiftly as possible. Yet, the reality is stark: many refugee children are still missing out on this vital opportunity. Around a third of primary school-aged refugee children remain out of school (UNHCR, 2023). It’s time to change that.
Aligning public and private interests to advance financial inclusion for displaced persons and their hosts
What makes for effective public-private partnerships when it comes to advancing financial inclusion? Having common goals, trust, and knowing the strengths and limitations of partners.
The private sector increases work-based integration for Venezuelan refugees and migrants in Colombia
Effectively integrating refugees and migrants in labour markets boosts productivity, increases the availability of skilled workers, and drives economic growth.
The journey to build a new open data finder on forced displacement that includes thematic data: Part 1
In 2017, the United Nations Statistical Commission adopted an indicator framework of 231 unique indicators to monitor the progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Similarly the World Bank tracks 1,400 indicators on development and UNICEF over 680 on women and children. But what about the visibility of refugees, stateless, and other people affected by forced displacement?
Inclusion of Forcibly Displaced and Stateless Persons in National Statistics
Forcibly displaced persons, including refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs), as well as stateless persons are frequently underrepresented or invisible in national data. However, realiable and nationally owned data is vital to guide effective national policies and decisions that foster the inclusion of forcibly displaced and stateless persons around the world. Statistical inclusion of forcibly displaced and stateless persons refers to the process of systematically including these groups in national data production systems such as population and housing censuses, administrative registers or nationwide household surveys.
Inclusion statistique des réfugiés et des rapatriés au Burundi : une approche localisée pour collecter des données de bonne qualité
Par Ilgi Bozdag et Felix Ndama Wa Ndama L’UNHCR a mené sa deuxième enquête de suivi des résultats au Burundi en 2023 avec les rapatrié.e.s près de la frontière tanzanienne, dans la commune de Muyinga. ©GNK/Diane Kaneza Le Burundi, pays...
Statistical Inclusion of Refugees and Refugee Returnees in Burundi: A Localized Approach to Collect Good Quality Data
The East African country of Burundi currently hosts 300,000 forcibly displaced and stateless people. This includes 85,000 refugees and asylum-seekers, 25,000 internally displaced persons, 800 people at risk of statelessness. At the same time, UNHCR repatriated over 185,000 Burundian refugee returnees since September 2017. The UN Refugee Agency’s involvement in the country focuses particularly on providing assistance and protection for these populations as well as promoting their inclusion in national systems, enhancing their self-sufficiency, and supporting durable solutions, such as integration or resettlement.
The Microdata Library in 2023: furthering the commitment to the responsible sharing of microdata
Razan and other volunteers train for data collection ahead of aid distributions. ; The conflict that erupted in April in Sudan has displaced millions of Sudanese. Many of them are sheltering in Wadi Halfa, hoping to be allowed to enter Egypt. © UNHCR/Mohamed Rached...
Using biometrics to support cash-based interventions for Afghan returnees
Forced displacement in Afghanistan is a multi-faceted situation within the country’s 40 years of protracted conflict. Furthermore, thousands of people are impacted by natural disasters, including earthquakes. This complex situation has led to an increased number of people becoming displaced both within the country and into neighboring countries. At end of November 2023, there are 7.7 million Afghans in Iran and Pakistan, including registered Afghan refugees and Afghans in refugee-like situations . At the same time, and despite the difficult situation, people still repatriate to their country of origin.
Refugees enjoy better integration when they and their hosts are more financially secure
An impact evaluation shows significant socioeconomic benefits among refugees and hosts who participated in a graduation programme in Mozambique.