RefugeeID

Inspiration

What it does

How we built it

Challenges we ran into

Accomplishments that we're proud ofRefugeeID – A Decentralized Digital Identity for Refugees

Overview RefugeeID is a web app that allows displaced individuals to create a secure, verifiable digital identity using biometric verification and blockchain technology. This system enables refugees, stateless individuals, and undocumented people to prove their identity and access essential services without needing government-issued IDs.

🚀 Features ✅ Decentralized Identity: Refugees can create a verifiable blockchain-based ID. ✅ Biometric Authentication: Uses Worldcoin ID Kit or Polygon ID for secure facial/fingerprint recognition. ✅ Encrypted Storage: Stores ID data securely on IPFS (InterPlanetary File System)—not controlled by any single organization. ✅ QR Code Verification: Generates a verifiable QR code that NGOs, employers, or banks can scan for authentication. ✅ Zero-Knowledge Proofs: Uses zk-SNARKs so users can prove their identity without revealing sensitive data.

📌 How It Works 1️⃣ User Registration (For Refugees & Stateless Individuals) Visit the web app and sign up with basic details: Full Name (or chosen alias) Date of Birth Country of Origin (if known) Preferred Language Upload biometric data (facial recognition or fingerprint scan). System generates a Decentralized Identifier (DID) and stores it on the Polygon blockchain. User receives a QR code-linked digital identity. 🛠 Tech Used:

Worldcoin ID Kit or Polygon ID – For biometric verification. IPFS (Pinata, Web3.storage) – For secure, encrypted storage. Polygon (Ethereum Layer 2) – For storing DID identity hashes. 2️⃣ Identity Verification (For NGOs, Employers, & Service Providers) An NGO, employer, or service provider visits the "Verify Identity" page. They scan the refugee’s QR code. System queries the blockchain to check if the DID is valid. If verified, the organization gets confirmation without revealing sensitive data. 🛠 Tech Used:

QRCode.js – Generates QR codes for each user. Polygon ID + zk-SNARKs – Allows identity verification without revealing personal data. 3️⃣ Identity Management (For Users & Verifiers) Features for Refugees: ✅ View & download QR-based digital ID. ✅ Update biometric data. ✅ Track who scanned their ID and why.

Features for Verifiers (NGOs, Employers, etc.): ✅ Scan a QR code to verify identity. ✅ Request additional proof if the user permits. ✅ Track past verification requests for security.

🛠 Tech Used:

Express.js (Backend API) – Handles authentication & verification. MongoDB / Firebase (Optional) – Stores metadata (not personal data). Web3.js & Ethers.js – Manages blockchain interactions. 🎯 Target Audience 1️⃣ Refugees & Stateless People

Individuals displaced due to war, political instability, or natural disasters. Migrants without official paperwork seeking work. 2️⃣ Humanitarian Organizations & NGOs

UN Agencies (UNHCR, WFP, WHO). Nonprofits like Doctors Without Borders, Red Cross. 3️⃣ Employers & Service Providers

Companies hiring undocumented workers in agriculture, construction, domestic work. Banks & Microfinance institutions offering accounts to refugees. Healthcare providers offering treatment without traditional IDs. 🛠 Tech Stack & Free APIs Layer Tech Used Frontend (User Interface) Next.js / React.js + Tailwind CSS Backend (Identity Management & Verification) Node.js (Express.js) Blockchain for Verification Polygon (Ethereum L2) Biometric Verification Worldcoin ID Kit or Polygon ID Storage (Encrypted User Data) IPFS (Pinata, Web3.storage) QR Code Generation QRCode.js 🎨 UI/UX Design ✅ Homepage: Simple, clean “Create ID” button. ✅ Signup Page: Users enter basic info + scan fingerprint/face. ✅ Profile Page: Shows a verifiable QR code. ✅ Verifier Page: Allows NGOs/employers to scan and verify identity.

Built With

• astro
• netlify