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Q. What do I need to do to register with UNHCR?
Registration requires that you provide UNHCR with information about yourself, often referred to as 'personal data.' Ideally, information related to your identity is based on documentation, such as a passport or other official document that proves your identity. However, even if you do not possess any identity documents, UNHCR can still register you based on the information you share with the organization.
UNHCR systematically collects biometric data, including a photo, fingerprint, and iris scan. You will be informed about the specific personal data elements required to complete the registration process.
To fulfill its purpose, UNHCR needs to record personal data as accurately as possible and, when necessary, update it. This responsibility falls on UNHCR as the data controller, but it also requires all data subjects to provide accurate personal data. UNHCR may not always be able to verify whether the personal data provided is correct and thus relies on the information provided by data subjects.
Each individual in a household above the age of 18 has both the right and the obligation to provide their personal data individually and accurately. Parents or caregivers can provide personal data for children if the children are unable to share such information accurately. Similarly, caregivers or responsible household members can provide personal data for adult family members who, due to mental impairment or other reasons, are unable to share their data accurately.
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Interpreting Reliability of Data
Fragmented data can delay the resolution of complaints. If complaints are spread across various databases, locating and addressing each becomes time-consuming, delaying the provision of remedies to aggrieved refugees.
When data systems are disjointed, individuals may struggle to access or verify their own records. Refugees might not be able to readily obtain insights on how their data is utilized or if it's used accurately.
Inefficient data handling can diminish UNHCR's accountability. If data inaccuracies or losses occur due to system fragmentation, the organization's credibility could be questioned, both by the refugee community and international stakeholders.
Inaccurate data capturing can hinder refugee participation. For instance, if feedback or needs are misrecorded due to system flaws, subsequent decisions might not reflect the true sentiments of the refugee community.
Fragmented systems risk unequal treatment. Disparate data might result in inconsistencies, with certain groups potentially receiving more aid than others, not due to genuine need, but due to system errors or oversights.
Questions:
- How does UNHCR ensure the accuracy and authenticity of the data collected during and after the refugee registration process?
- What mechanisms are in place to rectify discrepancies arising from disjointed databases?
- How does UNHCR address discrepancies or inconsistencies that are identified in the data?
- Are there any internal audits or reviews conducted to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the data collected? How frequently are these conducted?
- How does UNHCR ensure that vulnerable groups, such as women, children, and persons with disabilities, are adequately represented and not underreported in its databases?
- Are there any mechanisms in place for refugees to self-verify or correct their own data if they believe there are errors?
- What strategies does UNHCR employ to ensure the non-discrimination principle is upheld, particularly in data collection, reporting, and subsequent decision-making (e.g., screening for resettlement) given the disjoined nature of the data?
- In cases where errors or biases are identified, how does UNHCR rectify these issues, and what measures are taken to prevent their recurrence?
- Given the fragmented nature of the data systems, what is the estimated margin of error in refugee registration figures across various UNHCR databases?
- Given the potential implications of margins of error on resource allocation and protection strategies, how does UNHCR ensure that its activities are still effective and targeted accurately?
- How does UNHCR communicate margins of error when data are shared externally, ensuring transparency in its data-driven reports and decision-making processes?
