Refugees and the Biometric Future: The Impact of Biometrics on Refugees and Asylum Seekers

"Biometrics" refers to biological or physical characteristics usable for automatic recognition, including fingerprints, facial structures, retinal patterns and DNA. The collection of biometric information need not be voluntary, such as a with a surveillance camera outfitted with facial recognition technology. Biometrics has the potential to improve efforts to protect refugees and asylum seekers by providing a credible means of establishing identity, even where they lack other documentation. However, concerns related to violation of privacy, misidentification, stigmatization and the potential to block asylum applications must be addressed. The article surveys and evaluates current areas where biometrics are used, such as in assisting in the identification of asylum seekers and managing their applications, facilitating refugees' freedom of movement, helping the UNHCR prevent fraud in refugee camps, and providing states with a means of reducing detentions of asylum seekers. As safeguards are improved, biometrics will continue to be an important tool in protecting refugees and asylum seekers.