Biometrics Considered As Option In Tracking Refugees

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees plans to use the Asia Pacific region as a pilot for the model, which, if successful, could be implemented around the world.

One option under investigation is a biometric personal identification system which would track asylum seekers' movements throughout the world using data from fingerprints or the retina.

At present, only limited details are available on those who flee camps in countries of first asylum.

By using an international biometric database it is hoped authorities will be able to determine a person's true identity and access their personal history much faster.

Although UNHCR officials acknowledge a person may sacrifice some civil liberties, they argue it will help genuine refugees prove their claims.