The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is studying the application of zero-knowledge proofs (ZK-proofs) technology to establish a decentralized digital identity (DID) mechanism to protect refugees. The aim is to help verify refugee identities quickly and securely, especially when crossing borders where security is crucial.
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United Nations establishes blockchain group! Will develop standards for AI, digital identity, etc. and may discuss them at the October Kyoto conference.)
(Background:
UNICEF builds DAO and cryptocurrency fund! Will pilot on Polygon.)
The mission of the UNHCR is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees, ensuring that everyone can exercise their right to seek asylum and obtain safe refuge in another country. Currently, the organization is researching the implementation of a decentralized digital identity (DID) mechanism through zero-knowledge proofs (ZK-proofs).
ZK-proofs are a cryptographic protocol that allows one party to prove the truth of a statement to another party without sharing the content of the statement. This technology is often integrated into digital identity solutions to ensure the ability to prove someone’s identity without requiring the verifying party or anyone else to view the original documents.
Zero-knowledge proofs are one of the key elements in ensuring refugee safety. Carmen Hett, the Financial Controller of UNHCR, pointed out that one of the main challenges refugees face is proving their claimed identities, as their governments usually hold the key to identity verification. She further emphasized that different countries have different laws when refugees cross borders, so it is crucial to have a system that can ensure the security and trustworthiness of identities.
Hett stated that the implementation of ZK-proofs can safeguard the safety of refugees when crossing borders. Refugees who cannot prove their identities may ultimately be restricted from accessing banking services, job opportunities, and other rights to welfare and services in their host countries.
Hett also expressed the need for regulatory bodies to make more efforts to promote the adoption of ZK-proofs technology. Additionally, UNHCR is also working on enhancing the financial and digital literacy of refugees to prepare them for cross-border living in the future and enable them to safely carry money.
UNHCR adopts the Stellar payment network to assist Ukrainian refugees
On December 15, 2022, UNHCR launched a blockchain-based cash assistance intervention program aimed at providing aid to Ukrainian refugees affected by the war and displacement. The program utilizes the payment solution provided by Stellar and transfers USDC stablecoins to digital wallets accessible to the refugees.
UNHCR’s blockchain-based solution project received the “Best Impact Project Award” at the 2023 Paris Blockchain Week. This recognition not only acknowledges UNHCR’s relentless efforts in exploring innovative solutions to assist refugees and forcibly displaced persons but also recognizes its achievements in the field of humanitarian aid.
During this year’s Consensus conference, Hett affirmed the positive impact of adopting digital wallets in promoting inclusive finance:
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decentralized digital identity
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
zero-knowledge proofs