Iris Technology to Enable UNHCR in Refugee Identification

Biometrics drives digital innovation that improves lives and delivers meaningful social and economic impact. Non-profit organizations increasingly use biometrics to secure access to aid and protection. These technologies help ensure assistance reaches the right people.

In early 2013, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) tested a new biometric system in Malawi. The system stored fingerprints, iris data, and facial images for refugee identification. The four-week pilot enrolled more than 17,000 refugees and verified their identities. After the successful pilot, UNHCR selected Thailand for the first global rollout. By June 2015, UNHCR registered nearly 110,000 Myanmar refugees in Thailand’s border camps. Many refugees lacked identity documents after fleeing conflict. The biometric system restored access to aid and protection.

IriTech proudly contributed to this important humanitarian project. UNHCR selected IriTech as its sole iris scanner provider after a competitive bidding process. UNHCR chose the IriMagic™ 1200 BK, a binocular iris camera with goggle design. The device supports accurate identification for refugees of all ages. Following the Malawi pilot, UNHCR issued tenders to deploy the IriMagic™ 1200 BK in additional countries. UNHCR plans to register an estimated 30 million refugees worldwide.

Biometrics system project for non-profit organizations UNHCR

The IriMagic product had already gained global recognition before the UNHCR project. The scanner received STQC certification for India’s UIDAI program. Major media outlets featured the device during large-scale biometric deployments. The product also appeared in the 2014 Hollywood film Origins.

Biometrics Innovation for Refugees in Thailand

For iris biometric enrollment in large-scale projects, we highly recommend to use our binocular iris scanner with goggle, which is designed to be able to capture the best iris image quality. Our current product lines include IriShield BK 2121U and IriAegis BK whereas IriAegis series is our next-gen iris scanner series with significant advancements in hardware and sensor technology.