Racial and Xenophobic discrimination and the use of digital technologies in border and immigration enforcement A/HRC/48/76

Furthering the analysis of the Special Rapporteur’s November 2020 report, this report examines digital technologies deployed to advance the xenophobic and racially discriminatory treatment and exclusion of migrants, refugees, and stateless persons. It explores how “digital borders”—which incorporate methodologies such as biometric data, surveillance drones, and algorithmic decision-making—are used to surveil, control, and limit the movement of marginalized groups, often exacerbating human rights abuses. The report also raises concerns about emerging “border industrial complexes”, highlighting how states and private corporations often profit from these technologies while bypassing accountability for resultant rights violations and fueling the exclusion of affected communities. It offers recommendations urging states to adopt strict human rights safeguards and accountability frameworks.