This guidance is designed to ensure that the registration of individuals of concern is conducted efficiently and in accordance with international standards as a resource for UNHCR staff, partner organizations, and governments involved in the registration and identity management of persons of concern. Below are the key steps and components covered in this guidance:

1. Introduction: This section provides an overview of the entire registration and identity management process. It outlines the importance of registration in the context of UNHCR's work.

2. Working with Governments and Other Partners: UNHCR collaborates closely with host governments and various partners during the registration process. This collaboration is crucial for the successful implementation of registration activities.

3. Planning and Preparing Registration and Identity Management Systems: Planning is a critical phase in registration. This section explains how UNHCR plans and prepares for registration activities, including the selection of appropriate tools and technology.

4. Communicating with Communities about Registration: Effective communication with the affected communities is essential. UNHCR emphasizes the importance of transparent and inclusive communication to ensure that individuals of concern understand the purpose and benefits of registration.

5. Implementing Registration within an Identity Management Framework: Registration is integrated into a broader identity management framework. This section elaborates on how identity management is structured and implemented.

6. Emergency Registration: In emergency situations, rapid registration is essential. UNHCR provides guidance on conducting registration efficiently in emergency contexts.

7. Working with Registration Data: Data management is a critical aspect of registration. UNHCR outlines procedures for the secure collection, storage, and handling of registration data.

8. Continuous Registration and Verification: Registration is an ongoing process. UNHCR explains how continuous registration and verification activities are conducted to maintain accurate and up-to-date records.


UNHCR Guidance on Registration and Identity Management

This document provides guidance on various aspects of registration and data management in the context of refugee protection. This handbook serves as a practical tool for UNHCR staff, governments, and other stakeholders involved in refugee registration and data management.Here's a brief overview of the key topics covered in the handbook:

Access to Registration: Guidelines for equitable access to registration, ensuring non-discrimination and the right to seek asylum.
Process of Registration: Procedures for identifying and registering refugees, including locations and responsible entities.
Fraud Prevention and Management: Measures to detect and prevent fraud while maintaining registration system integrity.
Data to be Gathered and Recorded: Information collection guidelines for protection, assistance, and planning.
Documentation: Guidance on issuing legal documents enabling access to services, rights, and protection.
Updating and Verification: Procedures for keeping records current to reflect changing circumstances.
Data Protection & Confidentiality: Measures to safeguard personal data and privacy.
Partnerships: Emphasis on collaboration with stakeholders, including governments and NGOs, for effective registration processes.

UNHCR Handbook for Registration: Procedures and Standards for Registration, Population Data Management and Documentation

Do I have to register with UNHCR?

UNHCR registration staff should provide you at the beginning of the registration interview with thorough counselling on information relevant to you and your family in a language that is known to you. UNHCR registration staff are obliged to treat you with respect and dignity throughout the process. Make sure you receive at least the below top 10 pieces of information during your interview. It is your right to ask for this information, and to ask for clarification if anything is unclear. 
•	What it means to be registered with UNHCR and the next steps; 
•	General Interview procedures;
•	Obligations of the interviewer and interpreter;
•	Other relevant information about seeking asylum in your host country, for example: your rights and responsibilities according to the national law, who to contact in case of an emergency, etc.;
•	Services and service providers in your country of asylum; 
•	What type of personal data (name, date of birth, country of origin, biometrics, etc.) needs to be collected for the purpose of registration and possibly other purposes;
•	How your personal data will be stored and who will access your personal data;
•	With whom your personal data will be shared – such entities (e.g. host government and/or other organisations) should be explicitly mentioned to you;
•	The need and conditions for  providing free and informed consent and your right to withdraw consent and to object to processing;
•	Your rights as a data subject, how to make requests including whom to contact and where to go if you have any questions or concerns about your personal data;
•	Your right to ask questions at the end of the interview to clarify any missing points, take a break, specify the sex of your interviewer, and be interviewed in a language that you understand (including through an interpreter);
•	How to report a general complaint or fraud allegation;
•	Your consent to share personal information, these records should be noted in the same place where the personal data is recorded, either electronically or on paper by means of written signature, thumb print or mark, prior to any processing.

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