UNHCR biometrically registered people of concern passing through reception and documentation centres (called Postos de Triagem) in Boa Vista, Pacaraima and Manaus. In the three locations, UNHCR also carried out registration activities in spontaneous settlements, shelters, transit centres and other sites. By conducting registration activities, the operation was able to monitor and update information on the population entering Brazil, support their admission to shelters and access to other assistance. The data also facilitated the monitoring of shelter population data and exits to better inform shelter management and shelter exit strategies.
As a protection tool, registration allowed for the identification and mapping of specific vulnerabilities. It allowed UNHCR to respond to the specific needs of individuals, make necessary referrals and coordinate with other actors. Registration played an important role in supporting the voluntary relocation programme, Interiorização, by updating data and recording information about the “Fitness for Travel” exams (a screening process that ensured interiorization candidates were prepared for travel with the necessary documents and were healthy enough to safely undertake travel). Information collected through registration allowed for the identification and mapping of the indigenous population, including their needs and vulnerabilities, thus enhancing protection. Countrywide, registration was also performed by UNHCR’s partners as part of the cash support programme. In accordance with UNHCR’s Data Protection policy, data collected at registration stage is used to support government-led projects, as well as to advocate for rights and services for the population of concern to UNHCR. This also led to the signature of a Data Sharing Agreement with Humanitarian Task Force of Operation Welcome, which is the coordinating body of the government-led emergency response in the north. While registration activities continued throughout the year, the assistance provided in the reception and documentation centres in Manaus, Boa Vista and Pacaraima decreased as a result of COVID-19 and the border closure.
Despite the challenges faced due to the pandemic, all possible measures were taken to continue activities and a total of 12,191 individuals (5,337 groups) were registered. Among the registered individuals, 5,646 were indigenous. UNHCR conducted all registration activities using UNHCR’s PRIMES data system tools. Additionally, to improve core relief items distribution in the shelters in the state of Roraima, UNHCR rolled out the global distribution tool in November 2020.
2020