The Importance of Mobile for Refugees: A Landscape of New Services and Approaches JANUARY 2017 GSMA The GSMA represents the interests of mobile operators The GSMA Disaster Response programme aims to worldwide, uniting nearly 800 operators with more than strengthen access to communications and information for 300 companies in the broader mobile ecosystem, including those affected by crisis in order to reduce loss of life and handset and device makers, software companies, equipment positively contribute to humanitarian response. We work to providers and internet companies, as well as organisations drive the creation and adoption of coordinated, impactful in adjacent industry sectors. The GSMA also produces solutions and practices that leverage the ubiquity of the industry-leading events such as Mobile World Congress, mobile technology under the umbrella of the Humanitarian Mobile World Congress Shanghai and the Mobile 360 Series Connectivity Charter. conferences. Learn more at www.gsma.com/disasterresponse For more information, please visit the GSMA corporate or contact us at
[email protected] website at www.gsma.com Follow GSMA Mobile For Development on Twitter: Follow the GSMA on Twitter: @GSMA @GSMAm4d This document is an output from a project co-funded by UK aid from the UK Government. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the UK Government’s official policies. THE IMPORTANCE OF MOBILE FOR REFUGEES: A LANDSCAPE OF NEW SERVICES AND APPROACHES CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 2 INTRODUCTION: A SNAPSHOT OF THE CURRENT LANDSCAPE 6 1. CONNECTIVITY 8 2. DIGITAL TOOLS AND PLATFORMS 16 3. FAMILY RECONNECTION 20 4. EDUCATION 24 5. LIVELIHOODS AND MOBILE MONEY 28 6.