Comparative international approaches to establishing identity in undocumented asylum seekers

Abstract

Identity is a fundamental part of the obligations assessments of asylum seekers: the reasons for persecution are inherently linked to the individual’s identity. However, the nature of forced migration means that many will not have access to such documentation, as demonstrated by the Australian experience. Still, there is no global consensus on how to establish identity in undocumented asylum seekers. This working paper assesses some of the measures taken internationally to address this, and proposes a multilateral data capture and sharing arrangement to assist in establishing a consistent and traceable identity profile and to support the verification of asylum seekers’ claims for protection.