Empowering the vulnerable: how digital ID can help those in the most vulnerable positions
Digital ID has the potential to help refugees, victims of modern slavery and human trafficking, and it's important we look to help those in the most vulnerable positions. If we don't take action to implement digital ID, millions of people in vulnerable positions could be denied access to the services they need. The refugee crisis, modern slavery and human trafficking affects millions of people around the world. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, there are currently over 25.9 million refugees worldwide. Many of those in these vulnerable situations lack the necessary identification and documentation to access the services they need to survive, so it’s essential that we find ways to help them. How can digital ID help? Digital ID can help capture identity information about vulnerable refugees, and victims of modern slavery and human trafficking, allowing them easier and quicker access to the essential support services that they may need. Rather than going through an application cycle which can take weeks, a digital ID can be created by state welfare organisations to capture all their information quickly and securely during a needs assessment. Once done, and their eligibility for support services confirmed, a digital wallet can carry their digital ID and credentials allowing them to prove that they are eligible for support services such as housing, mental health support and more. This can be especially helpful for those who are fleeing their homes and may not have access to the necessary documents or information needed to apply for services, and don’t have the time or resources to wait for traditional forms of identification. Digital ID can provide the verification that they may need to reduce the risks associated with being undocumented or misidentified. Empowering those in vulnerable positions For those fleeing different situations, access to essential services like healthcare, education and financial assistance can be a significant challenge. Digital ID can facilitate access to services with ease to improve their quality of life and integration into their new communities. Digital ID can be used to capture vulnerabilities in a number of ways including:
While digital ID offers immense potential, it also raises concerns related to privacy and data security. It is essential to implement robust data protection measures and ensure that digital ID systems are designed with the best interest of those in vulnerable positions in mind. Transforming lives The use of digital ID in these situations can have a transformative impact across our society and economy. By providing people with access to the right services, it can help those most in need. Furthermore, as these individuals become settled through the support services that they are legitimately entitled to, with a verifiable digital ID they can also have access to employment and financial services enabling them to establish themselves as economic contributors earning salaries, spending in the economy and paying taxes. With careful implementation and a focus on privacy and security, digital ID can be a driving force in empowering and safeguarding the most vulnerable people. |