UNHCR is currently in the process of launching next-generation digital ID systems for refugees in extremely complex technological, operational, and political situations. These also need to interoperate with national, sub-national and functional systems that are going increasingly digital. As numbers mount (over 120 million forcibly displaced persons spread over 130 countries) the response strategies are extremely critical.
Two important initiatives were launched this year, these include the Digital Gateway, that refugees can access themselves directly for information and services, and PING (PRIMES Interoperability Gateway) that enables governments to establish interoperability between their national ID systems and UNHCR refugee ID data.
Both systems are currently being implemented in challenging situations across Africa, Americas and Asia, requiring international agencies, national governments, and the industry to come together globally in special ways, important among them being for accessibility, connectivity, reliability, data quality and privacy protection. Special also to UNHCR are the needs across age, gender, diversity and disabilities, that must all be effectively addressed.
In this context UNHCR continues to be in touch with stakeholders and service providers so that digital innovations, with IAM as a cornerstone can benefit this most vulnerable segment of our society in the best possible way.
