UNHCR launches biometrics system for Myanmar refugees

UNHCR biometrics identify 110,000 Myanmar refugees in Thailand The UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has revealed details of a biometric system it has deployed in Thailand to register Myanmar refugees. The system has created biometric records for nearly 110,000 refugees since January, says the UN body, enabling it to also issue smart ID cards. UNHCR's new biometrics identity management system (BIMS), developed in cooperation with Accenture, is designed for registering and verifying the identities of displaced persons around the world. 

The system captures and stores fingerprints, iris data and facial images of individuals, providing those who are often undocumented with their only personal identity record. BIMS leverages the Unique Identity Service Platform (UISP), a software offering developed by Accenture, which works in conjunction with UNHCR’s existing case management system. "Biometrics will help refugees in the future as it ensures that once they've been through the system and enrolled with their fingerprints and irises, we'll always know who they are," said Sam Jefferies, UNHCR's Associate Biometrics Deployment Officer in Geneva. "If they lose their documentation, they can always come back to us." Bringing staff and technology to some of Thailand's most remote areas proved to be a logistical challenge. It involved transporting satellite equipment to camps with no phone or internet access, and moving delicate gear and over 75 UNHCR staff across rivers and over hundreds of kilometres of winding mountain roads along the Thai-Myanmar border in the span of 13 weeks. 

At the end of the verification exercise in Thailand, the refugees each received a smart card with their family's bio-data and photographs – securely encrypted and retrievable with UNHCR card readers even in remote places with no internet access. "With these cards we don't need to travel around with heavy equipment like a server," said UNHCR Representative Girard. "In the event of voluntary return, our teams in Myanmar will have a card reader in their backpack when they visit the field to document what has happened to returnees, and if they have received reintegration assistance. We will also pass on that information to other humanitarian actors and the authorities on the ground so that they can plan and deliver services in places where they are needed." John Smith, a refugee who works for the Karen Refugee Committee in Tham Hin camp in Ratchaburi province, said, "This verification is very important for me and for others who are refugees. 

The card can be decisive for our life in the future. If we have a chance to go back [to Myanmar], it will be good evidence for us to show to UNHCR or the Thai government. I tell the others to keep their smart card in a safe place, with their most precious things." - See more at: http://www.planetbiometrics.com/article-details/i/3223/desc/unhcr-launches-biometrics-system-for-myanmar-refugees/#sthash.cw1N2ckA.dpuf

Auction in aid of refugee children

As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme, Canon Marketing (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd has printed the Photography Collection by Somali Refugees during a fundraising auction held recently by the Fugee School.

The collection was taken by the schoolchildren who spent a day taking photographs with renowned photographers Suchen SK and Gregers Reimann.

The auction was highlighted by performances from the KLPac-trained refugee children, singing sensation Zamaera and a mini video presentation by journalist Zan Azlee.

“Aligned with our corporate philosophy —Kyosei which focuses on living and working together for the common good — we believe education is essential to children’s physical, emotional, social and intellectual growth.

“Therefore, we are happy to be able to do our bit in helping the children to access quality education,” said Canon Marketing (Malaysia) consumer system products division director Donny Ling.

One for the album: Suchen (second from left), senior Marcom executive, consumer system products division, Canon Marketing (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Shereen Soon, Reimann and Henry (right).

 

Miss Universe Malaysia 2011 Deborah Henry and co-founder of Fugee School said she was thankful that Canon Marketing was supporting the school with its fundraising auction.

“We approached Canon to help us print the photography collection,” she said.

Fugee School was co-founded in 2009 by Deborah Henry and Shikeen Halibullah who transformed a local initiative to one which today provides free education to more than 100 refugee children.

The initiative offers subjects such as Mathema-tics, Computing, Art, Theatre, Green Living and extra-curricular activities that address the specific needs of refugee students who face trauma and disruption following their displacement.

Among the items auctioned were 2D/1N at the Sri Panwa Phuket sponsored by Luxe Nomad, gifts by Red Ribbon Days, specially- designed bangle by Suhara Jewel Art, unique Somali-themed bag by KLutched as well as acrylic art pieces and water colour paintings crafted by the Fugee schoolchildren with help from Marina Ramlan and Hannah Lo respectively.

Proceeds from the event will be channelled to Fugee School to fund its expenses.

Source : TheStar