Data Blog
Advancing the collection and use of data to inspire solutions for forced displacement

The Microdata Library in 2024: Expanding Access to Data While Strengthening Privacy Protections
By Andrea Pellandra and Alejandra Moreno Ramirez A group of Venezuelan men and women waits for a canoe to take them from Bajo Chiquito to Lajas Blancas. ©UNHCR/Ilaria Rapido Ragozzino Expanding the Microdata Library In 2024, UNHCR reinforced its commitment...
Getting financial service providers “refugee-ready”: four lessons From Uganda
Sida, UNHCR and Grameen Credit Agricole Foundation launched a first-of-its-kind blended finance programme in Uganda. Some key learnings emerged from the successful initiative.
Measuring foundational learning in forced displacement: field insights and lessons from Mexico
Education officers from UNHCR were recently in Tapuchula and Tijuana to assess foundational learning outcomes for forcibly displaced children.
Innovation and partnerships to improve socioeconomic data on forced displacement
Nicci Potts, ODA Programming and Partnerships Lead Adviser, UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, at the Royal Statistical Society Conference 2024. By Sarchil Qader, Nicci Potts, Giulia del Panta and Paddy Brock We don’t have time for business as usual....
Shining a spotlight on Nicaraguans’ poverty and wellbeing in Costa Rica
Evidence indicates that integrated policies to improve employment, social inclusion, and access to services for Nicaraguan refugees in Costa Rica would benefit both them and the host country through social and tax contributions.
UNHCR’s photo quality initiative: enhancing photo standards in refugee registration
Ukrainian refugees at a UNHCR Registration Center for financial assistance in Bucharest. Once registered they will receive a pin to their phone which allows them to withdraw the cash at a local store. ; Each individual receives 568 Romanian Leu ($123). The center so...
A data-driven look at how promoting employment fosters refugee mental health
As we mark World Mental Health Day, it is important to recognize the disproportionate impact of mental health issues on refugees. This blog examines the links between mental health and livelihoods for refugees, suggesting that integrating mental health support with livelihoods programmes can enhance their ability to work.
Closing the gap: zooming in on refugee women on Equal Pay Day
Evidence suggests that while living in countries with gender disparities, refugee women usually earn less than host women. Addressing these disparities requires policies that target the specific challenges faced by all women in host countries. and integrating a gender perspective into refugee strategies.
Improving solutions to forcible displacement through evidence: learning from impact evaluations in East Africa
Impact evaluations in East Africa are providing critical insights into what works—and what doesn’t—when supporting people affected by forced displacement. But there remains significant gaps in evidence.
The future is data (and it’s here already)
At the end of September 2024, world leaders are coming together in New York City to convene a variety of high-level events. Between 22-23 September, the Summit of the Future will take place, which has been described as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to mend eroded trust and demonstrate that international cooperation can effectively tackle emerging threats as well as opportunities.
Collaboration gone right – UNHCR and WFP take data sharing to the next level in Tanzania refugee camps
It is common practice for UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and WFP, World Food Programme, to collaborate in some of the world’s most difficult humanitarian responses. While UNHCR is mandated to protect those forced to flee, WFP is responsible for delivering food and life-saving assistance in emergencies and protracted refugee situations. The two organizations work together to serve the most vulnerable populations. As part of this collaboration, UNHCR and WFP may need to exchange some information on the forcibly displaced populations to ensure they receive targeted food assistance in a dignified manner.
About the blog
The UNHCR Data Blog brings attention to data and research on protecting the rights and wellbeing of people forced to flee. It is also a forum to discuss research innovations in data-scarce forced displacement settings.
Useful links
UNHCR Data Transformation Strategy 2020 – 2025
UNHCR Socioeconomic Data and Analysis
Guidance on Registration and Identity Management
Registration and Identity Management at UNHCR
Socioeconomic Assessment Toolkit
Orientation for the early stages of planning a socioeconomic survey
Guidance on sampling household level surveys from UNHCR proGres registration data