A NEW LAYER OF REFUGEE POLITICS AT UNHCR BIOMETRIC TECHNOLOGY: SYRIAN REFUGEE BIOMETRIC REGISTRATION BY UNHCR IN LEBANON

Abstract

Over the past decade, biometric technology has started to emerge as a component of the politics of empowerment, notably in international aid situations like UNHCR. Considering, the development of digitalized, biometric refugee data adds a new layer of complexity to UNHCR's already problematic relationship with the host state. Hence, this thesis intends to provide a detailed descriptive analysis on the landscape of UNHCR's biometric registration operation in response to the Syrian crisis in Lebanon. In addition, I analyze the data-sharing discussion between UNHCR and Lebanon while reflecting on the political climate in Lebanon. As a methodology, I review pertinent academic publications, policies, news pieces, and publications on reports that look at biometric instruments and the numerous uses of biometrics in humanitarian situations. The approach also entails five expert interviews with individuals involved in refugee issues in Lebanon. The research makes use of the concepts of function creep to explore biometrics data usage and implementation in Lebanon and its implications. The study indicates that the UNHCR biometric operation in Lebanon has attracted new players to improve the efficiency of the UNHCR operation. However, these new actors, such as the UNHCR, WFP, and Iris Guard, take up a position in Lebanon's governance of Syrian refugees. The transfer of responsibility between the GoL and these new actors occurred for political and financial reasons.