Biometrics Institute and UNCTED launch guide to biometrics adoption for counter-terrorism

Jun 28, 2018, 1:43 pm EDT | Chris Burt

Categories Biometrics News | Law Enforcement

The Biometrics Institute has signed an Arrangement on Cooperation with the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) to promote the responsible use of biometrics in fields relating to terrorism and security, and the organizations are launching the “United Nations Compendium of Recommended Practices for the Responsible Use & Sharing of Biometrics in Counter Terrorism” as their first joint project.

The cooperation will focus on the fields of counter terrorism, identity and border control management, and aviation and maritime security to contribute to sustainable land, sea, and air transportation developed to prevent terrorism, according to the announcement.

The groups announced earlier this year that they would develop the Compendium to support UN Security Council Resolution 2322, which calls for biometric tracking of foreign terrorist fighters. It was developed within the framework of the United Nations Counter Terrorism Center (UNCCT) of the Office of Counter Terrorism (OCT), which is made up of organizations that work with biometrics including ICAO, IOM, UNHCR, UNOIDC, OIPC-INTERPOL, and IMO. The document is being presented at a side event to the High-level Conference of Heads of Counter-Terrorism Agencies at Un headquarters in New York on Friday.

“The Institute and CTED will co-operate to leverage expertise, optimize resources, reduce duplicative efforts, foster synergies and to maximize deliverables to Member States to prevent and counter terrorism, in accordance with this Arrangement,” explains Biometrics Institute Chief Executive Isabelle Moeller.

CTED will run regional workshops with the assistance of the Biometrics Institute in phase two of the partnership, beginning with the countries that are the highest priority for biometrics adoption.

The Institute also announced in April that it will produce a guide for members considering implementing biometrics, particularly first-time users.