Wikis and Their Use in the Forced Migration Field

A wiki is defined as "a page or collection of Web pages designed to enable anyone who accesses it to contribute or modify content." Most users of the web equate the term "wiki" with Wikipedia, the online encyclopedia that can be edited by members of the public. So, for example, you can visit the "refugee," "internally displaced person," or "forced migration" pages on Wikipedia, click on the "edit this page" tab, and add to or edit the entries.

Wikis are not yet a common feature in the forced migration community, but the examples that currently exist demonstrate the diversity of uses to which wikis can be applied. Wikis are being used in the following ways:

To facilitate access to information in a structured and organized fashion:
- The Forced Migration Guide provides access to information resources relating to refugees and forced migration that can be used for reference and research purposes.
- The Gender Training Wiki provides access to information about institutions, trainings and training materials that promote gender equality and the advancement of women.

To share information and promote collaboration within a defined community:
- MIGHEALTHNET hopes to "stimulate the development of good practices by promoting the exchange of information and expertise, both within and between countries. The project will act as a catalyst in the formation of scientific and professional communities in each country concerned with migrant and minority health. It will thus help to create a ‘critical mass’ which can bring about policy changes on the basis of evidence and experience. "
- RefugeeMap gathers together "information on refugee situations, news and policy, and volunteering opportunities around the UK."

For recommendations and feedback:
- The Refugee Archives at UEL recently launched a wiki not only to share information about its services, but also to solicit feedback about its information resources and recommendations for additions to their collection.

As web sites:
- The Feinstein International Center uses a wiki application as the underlying framework for its web site.

As classroom projects:
- The Refugee Wiki Project was set up by 10th graders to raise awareness of refugee issues and to support the work of the International Rescue Committee.