Refugees United and Ericsson partners to connect Refugees

Aiming to connect one million refugees, Refugees United and Ericsson have jointly announced to achieve this goal of reconnection using the Refugees United reconnection platform, along with operating partners like Safaricom and Vodacom. 

Thousands of displaced people in Kenya via a toll-free line and a free simple dial-code from Safaricom, will be able to access the family reconnection platform.  In addition, Vodacom will launch a new hotline for service assistance in DRC.

Christopher Mikkelsen, Co-Founder, Refugees United, said, Thanks to Ericsson and operator partners like Safaricom and Vodacom DRC, we can empower refugees to take the search for missing loved ones into their own hands. Now, families can simply call our toll-free line or dial a simple short code from their mobile phone to start the search for long lost family members or relatives.

"This initiative has the power to transform the nature of family reconnection for generations to come. It is an example of how mobile technology is truly changing the lives of people on the African continent for good. We are looking for innovative ways to get this to scale, and partnerships are the key to success," said Elaine Weidman-Grunewald, Vice-President, Sustainability and Corporate Responsibility at Ericsson.

Ericsson and Refugees United have set a goal to reach one million users using Refugees United family reconnection platform by the end of 2015.