The Biometrics Institute and the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) have signed an arrangement on cooperation in response to numerous Security Council resolutions on counter-terrorism in particular resolutions 1373 (2001), 1624 (2005), 2178 (2014), 2322 (2016), 2309 (2016) and2396 (2018).The purpose of this Arrangement on Cooperation is to promote the responsible use of biometrics in the field of counter terrorism, identity and border control management, aviation and maritime security, with a view to contributing to the sustainable development of land, sea and air security and transportation, to the prevention and countering terrorist threats and suppressing acts of unlawful interference.”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 Isabelle Moeller, Chief Executive of the Biometrics Institute.Phase One of this collaborative Arrangement has culminated in the production of the United Nations Compendium of Recommended Practices for the Responsible Use & Sharing of Biometrics in Counter Terrorism, which will be launched at the head-quarters of the UN in New York on 29 June 2018 in a side event to the High-level Conference of Heads of Counter-Terrorism Agencies The Compendium is the first reference material of its kind to be produced and made available at UN or international level.The Biometrics Institute has formed an international consortium of experts from UN entities, governmental origins and biometric experts with a background in counter-terrorism, law enforcement, border management, biometric technology, privacy and data protection to write, edit and review the content of the Compendium.The Compendium was developed within the framework of the United Nations Counter Terrorism Center (UNCCT) of the Office of Counter-terrorism (OCT). The group comprises important actors involved in biometrics such as ICAO, IOM, UNHCR, UNOIDC, OIPC-INTERPOL, IMO and others.UN Member States are being asked to share data collected at border security, customs and immigration via regional and global law enforcement channels with trusted partners such as INTERPOL. The Compendium provides technical implementation considerations and good practice guidance, including the need to protect privacy and personal data, and highlights the importance of understanding the potential for error in the collection of biometric data.Phase Two of the Arrangement will involve CTED, with the assistance of the Biometrics Institute, running regional workshops, starting with high priority countries that most need to start adopting biometric technologies.
Biometrics Institute to partner with UNCTED
