A critical time for refugees and their environment (again)

A critical time for refugees and their environment (again)

In 2002, Ray Wilkinson wrote that it was a critical time for the environment.  Looking 10 years into the past, he referenced then-High Commissioner Sadako Ogata, who said in 1992 that the “relationship between refugees and the environment has been long...
Innovation or Imitation in Uganda

Innovation or Imitation in Uganda

Boda Boda Talk Talk: an idea that worked A few years ago a friend working with Internews slapped a ‘Boda Boda Talk Talk’ sticker to my laptop and excitedly told me about the organization’s new project in South Sudan. Looking at the ‘BBTT’ emblazoned on my computer, I...
Beyond Technology: Testing and Scaling New Solutions in Costa Rica

Beyond Technology: Testing and Scaling New Solutions in Costa Rica

This is an excerpt from UNHCR’s recently released report: Beyond Technology | Innovation at UNHCR 2015. This report highlights and showcases some of the innovative approaches the organization is taking to address complex refugee challenges. If anyone still pictures a...
Tawasul: 5 lessons from the UNHCR humanitarian call centre in Yemen

Tawasul: 5 lessons from the UNHCR humanitarian call centre in Yemen

In late 2015, UNHCR – in collaboration with local partner AMIDEAST – established Tawasul, a humanitarian call centre in Yemen. Tawasul, meaning dialogue in Arabic, was the first of its kind in Yemen and shared humanitarian information through a toll-free number five...
How understanding vulnerability can maximize aid effectiveness

How understanding vulnerability can maximize aid effectiveness

The civil war in Syria, now in its fifth year, has given rise to one of the worst refugee crises in decades. Its violence has caused over four million people to flee the country. Around 630,000 travelled to neighboring Jordan, where most (480,000) settled outside of...
Taking to the skies: displacement, drones, and maps

Taking to the skies: displacement, drones, and maps

Following massive population displacements from Nigeria and within Niger in 2015 and 2016 the UNHCR operation and partners in Niger were faced with a significant mapping challenge. At the end of July 2016, there were reportedly up to 300,000 people displaced within...