UNHCR Note on DNA testing to estbalish family relationships in the refugee context

In the recent past, States have been resorting increasingly to DNA testing in order to establish family relationships for the purpose of admission of individuals for family reunification. The use of such tests also extends to a variety of situations in the refugee context. These include situations where refugees residing in the country imposing the test apply for their relatives, who may or may not be refugees, to be admitted to join them from another country. The test may also be applied in situations where individuals, themselves not refugees, in the country imposing the test apply for their refugee family members elsewhere to be admitted to join them. In other cases, family members of refugees may be required by a resettlement country to undergo testing in order to verify the relationships they have claimed under resettlement programs.