Digital technologies transforming refugees’ economic, social, and cultural inclusion

The 73rd issue of the Forced Migration Review, published with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO), mapped out ways in which digital technologies are being used in forced displacement contexts, including for promoting job and livelihood prospects.

26 August 2024

GENEVA (ILO News) – During the issue’s launch event held in June 2024, Zulum Avila, ILO Specialist on Employment Strategies in the Digital Economy, highlighted the need to overcome structural barriers faced by vulnerable groups of workers in accessing decent digital work. “While digitalization can boost the productivity of businesses and open new job pathways for migrants and refugees, necessary policy and regulatory frameworks are needed to address challenges and offer adequate labour and social protections,” she said.

Jointly opening the discussions, Tayna Martins Morais, Innovation Officer at UNHCR, also stressed that the absence of institutional responses to challenges like lack of skills, absence of reliable ICT infrastructure and exposure to digital risks leave refugees and host communities behind. “The creation of a conducive environment is a collective effort […] and the work we do with the ILO under the “Promotion, inclusion and protection of refugees and host communities in the gig economy” PROSPECTS project is an example of a partnership that helps move the needle,” she added.

Technological innovation to meet the needs of FDPs

The event highlighted innovations featured in the issue which present new ways of addressing some of the longstanding needs of refugees and their host communities. These initiatives include EqualReach, a fairtrade version of a freelancing marketplace connecting businesses with skilled refugee workers; a digital archive and educational platform powered by blockchain technology that helps preserve and raise awareness of the Rohingya collective identity; and a digital legal aid platform by the Norwegian Refugee Council.

The full issue can be accessed here.

While the ILO PROSPECTS project provided support to the publication of this issue, the views and opinions expressed by contributors do not reflect those of the organization.

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PROSPECTS Opportunity Fund project “Promotion, inclusion and protection of refugees and host communities in the gig economy” funded by the Kingdom of the Netherlands.