Information, Communication and Technology (ICT) Services and Refugees’ Rights Violation in Kyaka II Refugee Settlement, Kyegegwa Disrict, Uganda.
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Date
2024
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Abstract
The study investigated the relationship between information, communication and technology (ICT) services and refugees’ rights violation in Kyaka II refugee settlement, Kyegegwa district, Uganda. The study was guided by the following objectives: To assess the effects ICT access on refugee rights to information, evaluate the impact of ICT advocacy and awareness strategies on refugee rights to freedom of expression and examine the impact of ICT services on access to essential services and right to health care, education and legal aid for refugees in Kyaka II Settlement in Kyegegwa district. The Theory of social navigation by Henrik Vigh and capability approach theory guided the study. The study employed a cross-sectional study design involving qualitative and quantitative approaches. The study was carried out at Kyaka II refugee settlement in Kyegegwa district. The study aimed at identifying and addressing the challenges faced in leveraging ICT services for refugee rights promotion and protection such as ensuring equitable access, addressing digital divides, protecting privacy and promoting inclusivity in social service delivery. The study can serve as a foundation for future research and innovation in the field of ICT and refugee rights. It can inspire further investigations into emerging technologies, best practices, and novel approaches that can be leveraged to address the evolving needs and challenges faced by refugees worldwide. Data were obtained from 300 respondents using questionnaire and interview guide. The findings revealed that most refugees (83.3%) report receiving information about advocacy initiatives, rights awareness or support services. This suggests that the different strategies are reaching many refugees. Majority of respondents (66.6% strongly agreed + 16.6% agreed) believe that essential services like education, healthcare, and legal assistance are readily available in their community. However, a notable minority (16.6%) disagreed, suggesting there is room for improvement in accessibility of these essential services.". However, there is still a minority of refugees (16.7%) who do not have access to this information. The study also revealed that, exploring options like zero-rating specific websites or offering data bundles, interpretation services, free mobile phones and digital hubs specifically for accessing essential information can enable refugees in Kyaka II navigate through the complex digital environment. Limited access to, and underutilization of ICT services especially access to relevant and reliable information disempowers the refugees from effectively advocating for their needs, challenge discriminatory policies, and seek justice hence perpetuating refugee rights violation, (Bhabha& Finch, 2018). The study recommends that, the NGOs, government agencies, telecommunication providers, and refugee community leaders should collaborate to implement subsidies, free access points, and partnerships with information providers to reduce the cost of accessing information and developing ICT infrastructures. Conclusively, the study contributes in the exiting knowledge by understanding the role of ICT services in promoting human rights or expanding rights violation through capturing comprehensive analysis of both qualitative and quantitative insights from a context specific study in Kyaka II which provides a framework for similar studies in humanitarian settings with real life experiences with respondents.