Concerns of Power and Policy in the Use of Biometrics by UNHCR

Abstract: This paper investigates the growing concerns surrounding the utilisation of biometric technology within humanitarian organisations, with a specific focus on the Biometric Information Management System (BIMS) operated by UNHCR. The study is based on a literature review in which themes of concern are first identified in theoretical literature followed by an examination of empirical literature (here termed ‘refugee-including literature’) to see if the concerns are shared. The primary aim is to offer a comprehensive understanding of biometric concerns by amalgamating previous research, while at the same time bringing to light the specific concerns voiced directly by refugees themselves. Using Michel Foucault’s biopolitics and Michael Barnett’s humanitarian governance, the findings reveal two overarching themes shared between the theoretical and refugee-including literature: Concerns of Power (agency, data-access, and the testing of new technologies) and Concerns of Policy (function creep, fraud prevention, and technosolutionism). The study also finds that refugee-including literature presents an additional concern not seen in the theoretical literature: limitations on economic agency, while excluding another: concerns about private company data-access. The refugee-including literature is also found to offer some remarks in support of biometric registration. In conclusion, this study not only sheds light on concerns surrounding humanitarian biometrics, it also highlights the distinctive insights provided by refugees themselves. The paper concludes with a set of recommendations aimed at addressing the identified concerns and promoting responsible and ethical use of biometric technology in humanitarian operations.