[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ admin_label=”section” _builder_version=”4.16″ global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_image src=”https:\/\/www.unhcr.org\/blogs\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/48\/2023\/03\/RF1222649_IMG_1134-1-scaled.jpg” title_text=”Poland. Ukrainian refugees receive cash assistance from UNHCR at Wroclaw centre” _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n
Ukrainian refugees receive cash assistance from UNHCR at Wroclaw centre in Poland. \u00a9 UNHCR\/Rafal Kostrzynski<\/em><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n By Dogu Han Buyukyagcioglu<\/a> and Etienne Maury<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n In late 2022, UNHCR adopted the General Policy on Personal Data and Privacy<\/a> (GDPP) issued by the High Commissioner Filippo Grandi. 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.<\/p>\n In 2015, UNHCR introduced its data protection principles with the adoption of its Policy on the Protection of Personal Data of Persons of Concern to UNHCR<\/a><\/span>. The new Policy builds on the existing data protection framework and introduces an updated set of data protection principles, data subject rights and operational standards related to the handling of personal data. This update reconfirms UNHCR\u2019s longstanding human rights-based approach to data protection and privacy within the spirit of UN efforts and the UN Secretary-General\u2019s Data Strategy 2020-2022.<\/p>\n UNHCR works with a range of partners to deliver protection and assistance as well as facilitate solutions for the people we serve. Use of personal data is crucial for such collaboration which may include delivery of life-saving assistance and other services while avoiding gaps or duplication. Processing of such personal data is also very sensitive in the contexts in which UNHCR and its partners operate. The new Policy sets the foundation for clear, predictable and principled data flows between UNHCR and entities it works with in compliance with key data protection and humanitarian principles. Examples of this include global level data sharing arrangements such as the Global Data Sharing Addendum to the Memorandum of Understanding with World Food Programme.<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Delivery of UNHCR\u2019s mandate requires continued innovation to address the unique and everchanging challenges faced by people we serve. This may include, for instance, tailored digital tools to distribute assistance globally. In an ideal world, these are interoperable with available systems on the ground or digital channels of communication to allow engagement with and accountability to people we serve. Updated standards introduced by the GDPP support the development of such responsible and sustainable digital solutions. By doing so, UNHCR aims to stay abreast of the normative developments in data protection which respond to technological advancements and their impact on individuals.<\/p>\n Giving individuals transparency and more agency over the processing of their personal data is important in our times. GDPP put emphasis on the need for transparent, fair and legitimate use of personal data, as it requires informing individuals in a clear and understandable way about what is happening with their personal data and what they can do about it. To ensure and safeguard the implementation of this, the new Policy will introduce UNHCR\u2019s Personal Data and Privacy Review Committee which will make recommendations for the High Commissioner and act as a mechanism to review redress requests by individuals whose personal data is processed by UNHCR.<\/p>\n It also establishes the function of Chief Data Protection Officer, supported as needed by a dedicated office, who will provide independent and impartial expert support, advice and oversight on the implementation of UNHCR\u2019s data protection standards.<\/span><\/p>\n The Policy foresees a three-year transition period and progressive implementation.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_divider _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][\/et_pb_divider][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.20.0″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]<\/p>\n Read and download the Policy here<\/a>.<\/p>\nProtecting people forced to flee and those without a nationality also means protecting their personal data<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Data protection enables UNHCR\u2019s mandate and the delivery of effective responses to current challenges<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Keeping up with technological progress \u2013 in a principled way<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Ensuring transparency, legitimacy and accountability in UNHCR\u2019s data protection <\/strong><\/h3>\n