Refugees United and Ericsson, along with Safaricom and Vodacom, have launched a toll-free line in a bid connect one million refugees on the Refugees United platform by 2015.
The free dial-code application will serve to reconnect separated families in Kenya using Safaricom and in Democratic Republic of Congo with Vodacom.
“This initiative has the power to transform the nature of family reconnection for generations to come,” said Elaine Weidman-Grunewald, vice president of sustainability and corporate responsibility at Ericsson.
“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 key to success.”
According to Christopher Mikkelsen, co-founder of Refugees United, the system will boost reconnection of separated families by calling or dialing a simple shortcode.
He said: “Everyone has the right to know where their family is. 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.”
Safaricom Limited will enhance awareness through various activities like SMS campaigns for the two largest refugee camps in Kenya, Dadaab and Kakuma.
Bob Collymore, Safaricom CEO, said: “Millions of families have been separated as they flee violence and war in their home countries. Refugees United empowers separated family members to take the search for missing loved ones into their own hands.”
Refugees United was previously only available through a computer or internet enabled mobile phone, but it will now be available through a toll-free line and via a simple dial-code system.
The system is a free, mobile and online platform that allows people to search for missing family members, friends, and relatives on a safe and anonymous basis.
