Biometrics and International Migration

Biometrics can be defined as the automated means of identifying an individual through the measurement of distinguishing physiological or behavioural traits. Biometric scanning is the process whereby biometric measurements are collected and enrolled in a computer system with the purpose of using the measurements to either verify or search for a person's identity. This particular publication focuses on the impact of the rapid expansion in the use of biometric systems in migration management on the rights of individuals; it seeks to highlight legal issues for consideration in implementing such systems, taking as the starting point that security interests of the state and the rights of the individual are not, and should not be, mutually exclusive. The book is divided into three chapters: Part 1: Understanding biometrics; Part 2: Biometrics, migration and security and Part 3: Human rights, implications of the use of biometrics in migration management.