Our Latest Articles
The DAFI programme gives young refugees access to education and hope. But how can we improve it?
For the last three decades, the Albert Einstein German Academic Refugee Initiative, known as DAFI, has offered refugees the chance to pursue higher education, giving them, their families, and their host communities hope for a better future. The DAFI is in...
Counting what matters: examining refugee inclusion in national education data systems
With the average length of displacement ranging from 10 to over 20 years, there is an urgent need to protect and serve refugee children by including them in national education systems.
When data informs decisions for improving the lives of refugees and host communities
World refugee day celebrations 2022 in Kakuma Camp. © UNHCR/Charity Nzomo By Tarek Abou Chabake, Aina Helen Saetre and Grace Sanico Steffan Refugees and host communities in Kakuma, Kalobeyei and urban areas of Kenya live in better conditions with the help of...
UNHCR’s Biometric Tools in 2023
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, uses a Biometric Identity Management System – or BIMS for short – for biometric enrolments of people forced to flee. It is our primary biometric system within our registration and identity management ecosystem and used in 93 countries across the world.
Coherent, coordinated and quality emergency training for UNHCR staff
The typical emergency response relies heavily on UNHCR’s ability to quickly scale up on staffing, budgets, and activities that deliver assistance and protection. UNHCR works with a roster of registration colleagues, who can be deployed within 72 hours when a new emergency arises and has developed a revamped Emergency Registration Learning Programme for colleagues.
Tackling Kenya’s longstanding refugee situation: the need for comprehensive solutions
Sajjad Malik, UNHCR’s Director for Resilience and Solutions, returns to the Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps 30 years after he helped set up services there. Ahead of the Global Refugee Forum 2023, he reflects on the importance of the Marshall Plan and the role of development organizations to building pathways for refugees to reach their aspirations.
A renewed approach towards personal data protection in the UN Refugee Agency
UNHCR enters 2023 with the General Policy on Personal Data and Privacy (GDPP) issued by the High Commissioner. The new policy establishes an updated and unified data protection and privacy framework applicable to the collection, use and sharing of personal data of all individuals by UNHCR, fostering trust among people we serve, staff, partners, and donors.
Responsible and Timely: Sharing Data on UNHCR’s Microdata Library in 2022
Data in humanitarian action can provide accurate and up-to-date information on the location, size, demographics and needs of populations affected by crises. This information is used to develop and implement targeted interventions, such as the provision of water, sanitation, shelter, and other critical emergency assistance to those who need it most.
How A Hackathon Supported Personal Data Protection
In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, personal data protection has become a critical issue. With the exponential growth of big data, large amounts of personal information are being collected, stored, and processed, making privacy a major concern for individuals, organizations, and governments alike. To safeguard personal data, it is vital to adopt Privacy Enhancing Technologies (PETs), which are a range of innovative technical solutions designed to enhance privacy and protect personal data. These technologies use encryption and other methods to secure personal information and prevent unauthorized access. As technology continues to advance, so does the potential for privacy technologies to protect personal data in a variety of ways.
From Kenya to Kyrgyzstan: how data can help eliminate statelessness
At the heart of the JDC’s efforts, we are supporting policy change informed by research using high-quality data gathered according to recognized standards and definitions.
Improving Internal Displacement Statistics in Central America
Inclusion of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in regularly collected national statistics provides the foundation for inclusion in services, policies, and development planning and help ensure that no one is left behind.
Collecting data on the forcibly displaced is essential for better inclusion
The pathway towards the inclusion of refugees, IDPs, and stateless persons in national systems starts with mainstreaming them into national statistics exercises. But more is needed. Experience shows these populations need champions to ensure their inclusion in national development plans.