UNHCR

Individual biometric data – that is, our unique facial features, iris patterns, fingerprints, or voice – is being increasingly collected to verify our identities by governments, private companies and aid organisations. As of 2019, UNHCR had biometrically registered approximately 4.4 million refugees and asylum-seekers in 48 countries. This promotional video illustrates how the UNHCR and the private company IrisGuard collaborated to implement iris scanning for millions of Syrian refugees in Jordan, enabling them to access much needed aid.

While the detailed information that UNHCR collect can be used to identify those who are stateless, there are substantive concerns about their potential for abuse and the impossibility of meaningful consent by those who need help the most.

Videos are the copyrighted work of the United Nations. Sources: https://youtu.be/3ai59nI7UAY