Principles on Identification for Sustainable Development: Relevance and Best Practices in Central Asia
When
Where
Organized by
The event will present the Principles on Identification for Sustainable Development to representatives from civil registration and identification authorities from participating States in Central Asia. It will facilitate discussion and exchange of recent developments and practices in this region. The aim of the meeting is to contribute to improved civil identification and registration practice in Central Asia. This involves the implementation of a range of OSCE human dimension commitments through the mentioned principles but also the promotion of international good practices and peer exchange.
Topics
The three panel discussions will feature experts from international organizations and representatives from national authorities, and will explore:
- the principles on identification and how they can be operationalized
- universal civil registration coverage
- inclusive registration and identification processes
Registration
Participation is by invitation only.
Questions can also be addressed to the Migration/Freedom of Movement Unit, to either:
- Sofia Botzios, Migration, Freedom of Movement and Human Contact Adviser (sofia.botzios@odihr.pl)
- Anne-Katrin Lother, Consultant (anne.lother@odihr.pl)
- Rita Stafejeva, Administrative Assistant (rita.stafejeva@odihr.pl)
Background
A group of organizations, led by the World Bank and including ODIHR, committed to support governments by defining principles which can be used to guide the development of inclusive, trusted and accountable identity management systems. These in turn contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The “Principles on Identification for Sustainable Development” were first developed and published in 2017. Due to the quick evolution of the identity management sector, they were revised in 2020 through a consultative process. These revised principles were issued in 2021 and reflect key developments, perspectives and lessons learnt that underscore the importance of inclusiveness.
In the last decade, OSCE participating States in Central Asia have undertaken major transformations of their national identification and civil registration systems. Civil registration systems across the region have been digitized and interconnected with national identity management systems, national identity cards have been upgraded to be more secure and, in many instances, chip-enabled to provide for advanced electronic services and verifications. In an effort to ensure inclusiveness, countries have focused on individuals at risk of statelessness and migrant populations, amongst others.
The organization of an online meeting to discuss the principles on identification with a focus on Central Asia will provide an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of civil identification and registration in implementing the OSCE human dimension commitments. In particular, those commitments relevant to the rule of law, non-discrimination, gender equality and freedom of movement. ODIHR will translate the principles into Russian to provide for their more widespread promotion.