Registration and profiling are processes for the systematic collection of data about people living in a camp. Both processes help to identify individuals and understand their characteristics so that their needs can be met and their rights protected.
In all camp situations, registration and profiling are fundamental management tools needed for effective camp management and coordination. They provide the basis for planning programmes, providing assistance and monitoring protection in the camp.
For refugees and asylum seekers, registration is, first and foremost, a key protection activity. Registration identifies a person to be a potential refugee or asylum seeker and therefore potentially in need of international protection and of concern to the international community.
Registration always involves a face-to-face interview between a representative of the registering authority and the individuals concerned. Registration data should be kept up-to-date.
For asylum seekers and refugees, individual registration is the norm and is the standard to be achieved. For other displaced populations, due to management and protection concerns, registration may be done at the household level.
The role of the Camp Management Agency is to coordinate with and support key registration and profiling partners. Knowledge of the relevant obligations, mandates and roles is important.
All parties concerned should be involved in planning registration or profiling, including the displaced population. Coordination and contribution by various actors on the ground is key to a successful registration or profiling exercise.
Both profiling and registration data management processes should respect the principles of data protection. Only the data needed for programme design, delivery and monitoring should be collected, recorded and processed.
