Provides guidance from the Separated Children in Europe Programme (SCEP) on the application of biometric tests for separated children seeking asylum to improve efficiency in the immigration process while protecting individual rights. Current biometric tests include fingerprinting, x-rays, iris scans, DNA examinations, and face recognition using digital photography. These data can assist immigration officials to streamline the identification and registration of unaccompanied or separated children seeking asylum, improve the accuracy of age assessments, and facilitate family tracing and reunification or repatriation. SCEP focuses on the best interests of the child in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) and recommends the following procedures: maintain clear testing objectives, provide clear and consistent communication with the child, allow an adult guardian to be present during the testing, utilize the least invasive testing method, share outcomes withthe child and guardian promptly, and set up an appeals process.
