Identity and travel documents and the fight against terrorism. Recommendation Rec(2005)7 and explanatory memorandum

Although the vast majority of persons applying for and using identity and travel documents do so for lawful purposes, they are also used by terrorists, for whom they constitute an important tool. Genuine identity documents in particular, obtained through lawful procedures, are vital to terrorists' operational success.

Recommendation Rec(2005)7 of the Committee of Ministers to member states concerning identity and travel documents and the fight against terrorism therefore aims to ensure the proper, rapid and reliable identification of individuals, in particular as regards the issuing of such documents. It calls on member states to take measures to strengthen the security of identity and travel documents and indicates the appropriate course of action to take when such documents are lost stolen. The recommendation also contains provisions dealing with proof of identity as well as registration of birth and issuance of births certificates, which are necessary to obtain identity and travel documents.

Finally, the recommendation contains provisions dealing with international cooperation calling for the exchange of information with other member states and with international law enforcement bodies, in particular regarding lost or stolen identity and travel documents, whether issued or blank.