The Valleys of Death in Refugee Crisis

Abstract

The paper analyses the risks of a potential “valley of death” in development of ICT (Information and Communication Technology) for refugees’ social integration. Today’s refugee crisis is distinct from previous ones because of remarkable refugees’ reliance on technology. Therefore, not surprisingly, the effective employment of ICT is often mentioned in conjunction with refugees’ integration as a mean of facilitating integrative efforts. While academic literature widely accepts that ICT deployment is especially relevant to refugees’ social integration, little is done in terms of understanding that ICT impact requires a convergence of conditions of which ICT is only one of them. The paper questions the extent to which discrepancy between the ICT demand and supply creates a vacuum in the field of ICT for social inclusion. In order to understand parameters that influence efficiency of particular ICT solution for refugees’ social integration we use quantitative analytical approach looking at both sides - demand and supply. We put under the magnifying glass performance of ICT mobile solution specifically developed for refugees' social integration, parallel with refugees’ testimonials on their everyday mobile usage practices. Finally, after identifying that ICT solution for refugees’ social integration is in the “valley of death” this study argues that ICT does not operate alone. Social inclusion is bilateral social process that places demand on both refugees and the hosting society. Keeping that in mind, we call for overcoming simplistic view of the need of ICT development for social change per se, and propose deeper analysis of all parameters necessary for delivering meaningful and effective ICT solution for social change.