Student: Kamonchanok Konghahong | Degree: Master of Arts (Social Innovation and Sustainability) | Graduation Year: 2019 | Role: Advisor
This study examines how humanitarian organizations leverage technology to combat COVID-19 in refugee camps, where 79.5 million displaced people face heightened pandemic risks due to crowded, unhygienic conditions. Through analysis of five case studies across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia, the research explores how organizations adapted their technological approaches to local contexts. The findings reveal that organizations primarily modified existing programs while following local authority guidelines, though some developed new technological solutions. Organizations collaborated with each other and engaged refugee leaders to implement these programs. The study identifies key areas requiring greater attention: appropriate technology selection, evaluation of technology dynamics, consideration of refugees’ digital literacy and technology access, and promotion of refugee capabilities. While limited to secondary data analysis and excluding impact assessment, this research provides insights into technology’s role in protecting vulnerable refugee populations during the pandemic.