Digital Identity and Biometrics for Refugees Training Course

Digital Identity and Biometrics for Refugees Training Course

Introduction

In today’s rapidly evolving digital world, the integration of digital identity systems and biometric technologies has become a transformative tool in humanitarian response. Refugees and displaced populations face immense challenges in proving their identity, accessing essential services, and rebuilding their lives. By leveraging secure biometrics, blockchain-based ID systems, and mobile identity solutions, humanitarian organizations can strengthen protection, enhance efficiency, and promote social inclusion for refugees.

Digital Identity and Biometrics for Refugees Training Course is designed to empower professionals, NGOs, government agencies, and international organizations with cutting-edge knowledge, practical tools, and ethical frameworks. Through interactive learning, real-world case studies, and policy insights, participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of data protection, interoperability, refugee rights, and digital inclusion. This course aligns with global trends in digital transformation, sustainable development, and humanitarian innovation.

Course Objectives

1. Understand the role of digital identity in humanitarian contexts.
2. Explore emerging trends in biometric authentication for refugee protection.
3. Assess challenges of data privacy, security, and ethical AI use.
4. Analyze the legal and policy frameworks governing refugee identities.
5. Develop strategies for interoperable ID systems across borders.
6. Enhance refugee access to financial, health, and social services.
7. Evaluate blockchain and decentralized identity models.
8. Address issues of gender, inclusion, and vulnerable populations.
9. Identify risks of surveillance and misuse of biometric data.
10. Build capacity for digital humanitarian innovation.
11. Apply case studies of successful biometric projects worldwide.
12. Strengthen collaboration with governments, NGOs, and UN agencies.
13. Design sustainable digital identity frameworks for refugee support.

Organizational Benefits

• Improve data-driven humanitarian decision-making.
• Strengthen refugee protection mechanisms.
• Enhance cross-border digital identity interoperability.
• Build trust through responsible biometric deployment.
• Align with UNHCR, WFP, and World Bank digital ID standards.
• Increase efficiency in aid distribution and verification.
• Reduce fraud and duplication in service delivery.
• Enhance stakeholder collaboration and partnerships.
• Gain competitive advantage in humanitarian innovation.
• Support global digital transformation initiatives.

Target Audience

1. NGO field workers
2. Humanitarian aid coordinators
3. Government policy makers
4. UNHCR and international agency staff
5. ICT and digital transformation specialists
6. Data protection and legal experts
7. Refugee advocacy organizations
8. Academic researchers in migration and technology

Course Duration: 10 days

Course Modules

Module 1: Foundations of Digital Identity for Refugees

• Defining digital identity and biometrics
• Key global frameworks and standards
• Benefits and challenges in refugee contexts
• Policy drivers for adoption
• Ethical considerations
• Case Study: UNHCR’s PRIMES system

Module 2: Biometrics in Humanitarian Assistance

• Fingerprint, iris, and facial recognition technologies
• Accuracy and reliability in crisis settings
• Mobile biometric devices for refugee camps
• Risk of errors and duplication
• Biometric enrollment processes
• Case Study: World Food Programme’s biometric aid delivery

Module 3: Data Privacy and Security in Refugee Identity Systems

• GDPR and humanitarian data governance
• Secure storage and encryption practices
• Preventing identity theft and cyber threats
• Balancing security with refugee rights
• Consent and transparency principles
• Case Study: Data breach challenges in refugee registration

Module 4: Legal and Ethical Dimensions

• Refugee rights under international law
• Ethical dilemmas in biometric collection
• Surveillance vs protection debate
• Legal compliance in host countries
• Accountability and oversight mechanisms
• Case Study: Ethical analysis of Kenya’s Huduma Namba

Module 5: Interoperability of Digital ID Systems

• Cross-border recognition of IDs
• Technical standards for interoperability
• Challenges with fragmented systems
• Partnerships for shared identity infrastructure
• Blockchain as a solution
• Case Study: West Africa digital ID interoperability project

Module 6: Refugee Access to Services via Digital Identity

• Health care access through digital ID
• Linking refugees to education systems
• Financial inclusion and mobile banking
• Employment verification opportunities
• Social protection programs
• Case Study: Jordan’s biometric cash assistance program

Module 7: Blockchain and Decentralized Identity Models

• Blockchain in digital identity management
• Self-sovereign identity principles
• Advantages of decentralized models
• Security and trust challenges
• Humanitarian adoption barriers
• Case Study: ID2020 initiative for displaced populations

Module 8: Gender and Inclusion in Digital Identity

• Women’s access to identity systems
• Risks of exclusion of vulnerable groups
• Strategies for inclusive enrollment
• Cultural sensitivities in biometrics
• Designing gender-responsive solutions
• Case Study: Gender gaps in digital ID in South Asia

Module 9: Humanitarian Innovation and Digital Transformation

• Role of innovation labs in humanitarian aid
• AI and machine learning in ID verification
• Mobile-first approaches for identity
• Digital ecosystems for refugees
• Building future-ready humanitarian systems
• Case Study: UNICEF innovation labs and identity projects

Module 10: Managing Risks of Digital Identity Systems

• Risks of mass surveillance
• Potential misuse of refugee data
• Technology dependence in fragile settings
• Balancing innovation with risk management
• Policy recommendations for safe use
• Case Study: Controversy over biometric rollouts in Bangladesh

Module 11: Partnerships and Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration

• Role of governments and donors
• Engaging private sector partners
• UN agencies and cross-sector cooperation
• Multi-stakeholder governance models
• Strengthening accountability frameworks
• Case Study: UNHCR-private sector partnerships

Module 12: Digital Identity for Durable Solutions

• Facilitating voluntary repatriation
• Enabling local integration
• Supporting resettlement through verified IDs
• Building identity continuity post-crisis
• ID as a tool for long-term inclusion
• Case Study: Refugee identity programs in Uganda

Module 13: Building Capacity and Skills for Humanitarian ID

• Training staff in biometric enrollment
• Digital literacy for refugees
• Knowledge transfer and skill building
• Creating local expertise pipelines
• Continuous learning frameworks
• Case Study: Capacity building in refugee-hosting countries

Module 14: Future Trends in Refugee Identity Systems

• AI-driven identity verification
• Emerging biometric modalities (voice, gait)
• Digital wallets for refugees
• Integration with smart contracts
• Future risks and opportunities
• Case Study: Pilot projects in AI biometrics for migrants

Module 15: Designing Sustainable Digital Identity Frameworks

• Long-term sustainability challenges
• Funding models for ID systems
• Public-private partnerships
• Policy recommendations for resilience
• Global roadmap for refugee identity innovation
• Case Study: National refugee ID program in Ethiopia

Training Methodology

• Interactive lectures and expert presentations
• Group discussions and knowledge sharing
• Hands-on exercises with digital ID tools
• Real-world case study analysis
• Simulation of biometric enrollment processes
• Policy design workshops

Register as a group from 3 participants for a Discount 

Send us an email: [email protected] or call +254724527104 

Certification

Upon successful completion of this training, participants will be issued with a globally- recognized certificate.

Tailor-Made Course

 We also offer tailor-made courses based on your needs.

Key Notes

a. The participant must be conversant with English.

b. Upon completion of training the participant will be issued with an Authorized Training Certificate

c. Course duration is flexible and the contents can be modified to fit any number of days.

d. The course fee includes facilitation training materials, 2 coffee breaks, buffet lunch and A Certificate upon successful completion of Training.

e. One-year post-training support Consultation and Coaching provided after the course.

f. Payment should be done at least a week before commence of the training, to DATASTAT CONSULTANCY LTD account, as indicated in the invoice so as to enable us prepare better for you.