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Four men in a sparse landscape hold up smartphones, seemingly searching for a signal.

Who We Are

Connectivity for Refugees is a multi-stakeholder initiative advancing the availability and affordability of connectivity for 20 million forcibly displaced people and their host communities by 2030. The initiative is founded by the UNHCR, ITU, GSMA, and the Government of Luxembourg
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Connectivity is a lifeline for refugees and their hosts.

For those forced to flee, meaningful connectivity can bring access to life-saving information, online learning opportunities, new sources of income, leisure, and more.

A man looks at a feature phone while a woman sips from a cup, with phone components on a wooden surface in a busy market.
Older Armenian woman using a phone
Computer class
A surprised young girl looks at a pink tablet with cat-ear cover, while seated on a small chair outdoors.
A woman looks at her smartphone while writing on a notepad with a pen.
Smiling young woman in a colorful top looks back from her station in a computer lab.

But too many of the world’s most vulnerable are still unconnected and can’t take these benefits for granted. 

Together we can ensure our world leaves no one behind.

Spotlights

National Digital Investments
Report & Guidance
Jan 05, 2026

The Digital Lives of Refugees

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a classroom setting where several people are engaged in a digital skills development session in Rwand
Report & Guidance
Apr 01, 2026

Connectivity and Digital Work in Rwanda

A mix-method study to understand mobile network coverage...
Header image for Creating jobs and expanding financial inclusion report
Report & Guidance
Jul 10, 2023

Creating Jobs and Expanding Financial Inclusion in Refugee Settlements

This case study shares lessons and outcomes from...
Safaricom, Equity bank and UNHCR Deputy High Commissioner Kelly Clements visited Kakuma refugee camp to assess the needs and opportunities in education.
Report & Guidance
Nov 27, 2025

Access and Barriers to Digital Connectivity for Refugees and Host Communities in Ethiopia

A mix-method study to understand mobile network coverage...
two young women inside a simple structure, looking at a mobile phone together.
Report & Guidance
Oct 20, 2022

The Digital Worlds of Displacement-Affected Communities

A cross-context study of how people affected by...
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Where We Work

Today, the initiative is active in more than 11 countries. By 2030, we’re set to advance connectivity across 35 major refugee-hosting countries.

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