Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

two cabinets of mobile phones for sale © RSC

ICTs are reshaping our lives not only under normal circumstances, but increasingly so in crises. The COVID-19 virus does not discriminate by race, gender or status, but not everyone has been impacted in the same way by the crisis; migrant and refugee communities living in cities have been disproportionally affected. Within refugee studies, little research explores refugees’ livelihoods, well-being, and support in relation to digitalisation. This leaves a gap in multiple agendas for refugees that risks leaving them further behind at the time of COVID-19. In this small research project we explore the existence of, potential for, and barriers to digital information, assistance and livelihood through a further under-researched phenomenon: the support provided to refugees through initiatives and organisations led by refugees. This research project aims to better understand the impact of the pandemic on new digitally mediated support in three cities: London, Berlin, and Nairobi.

The team