The special rapporteur on the right to privacy (SRP) notes that “approximately 25% of the UN’s member states, have implemented national criminal offender DNA (DeoxyriboNucleic Acid) database programs. Forensic DNA databases can play an important role in solving crimes but they also raise human rights concerns. Issues include potential misuse for government surveillance, including identification of relatives and non-paternity, and the risk of miscarriages of justice. Furthermore it would appear that the use of DNA database in civilian uses, such as for ID cards and immigration is set to increase exponentially and, within the next few years, it is likely that we will see the first country move forward with a citizen-wide DNA database. In a revival of concerns raised in the 1990s about the use of genetic data in the insurance industry, it is being suggested that personalized medicine will cause many citizens to voluntarily submit their full human genomes to the health care industry. In the wake of these and other concerns, there is an ongoing need for greater public and policy debate as DNA databases expand around the world. The SRP intends to continue to engage with projects which aim to set international human rights standards for DNA databases, by establishing best practice and involving experts, policy makers and members of the public in open debate. It is expected that this engagement would contribute to best practice guidelines developed with civil society input, for feedback and discussion.”
Source: Special Rapporteur’s report to Human Rights Council, 31st session – A/HRC/31/64