Abstract

This study is an exploration of the recent integration of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in humanitarian aid activities during the Kosovo Complex Humanitarian Emergency (CHE). Four emergency relief issues are analysed: relief coordination, timely provision of aid, protection of refugees in the camps and the respect of refugees and their cultures. Emphasis is placed on the ability of the GIS to integrate a range of spatially referenced information relevant to humanitarian aid and to disseminate this information to policy-makers, refugee camp managers and the general public. The study ends with a list of policy recommendations in order to further the use of GIS within the UNHCR for a more effective management of CHEs.