In a small village nestled at the border of two nations, Maria lived her entire life in the shadows. She’s 15, bright, and full of dreams, but unlike her friends, she doesn’t have an identity document. This missing piece of paper locks her out of school, healthcare, and future job opportunities. For Maria, and millions like her, the lack of civil registration isn’t just a bureaucratic hurdle—it’s a barrier to a dignified life.
The Invisible Population
The plight of undocumented individuals is a silent crisis. According to the United Nations, over 1 billion people globally lack any form of legal identity, with a significant portion being children. Without official identification, these individuals are not recognized by their governments and cannot access basic services like education, healthcare, and legal employment. As H.E. Archbishop Buti Tlhagale of Johannesburg emphasizes, "Without an official identity, people are not registered anywhere and, in administrative terms, do not exist".
The Ripple Effect of Statelessness
For children like Maria, the consequences are dire. In many countries, schools may not require identity documents for enrollment but do need them for crucial exams. Without these documents, children can’t progress to higher education, effectively ending their aspirations for a better future. Additionally, the lack of documentation increases the risk of exploitation and abuse, as undocumented individuals are often invisible to authorities and have no legal recourse.
Economic migrants and refugees face even greater challenges. Unlike refugees who are legally recognized and have established procedures for registration, economic migrants often remain undocumented for years, trapped in a cycle of poverty and exclusion. This limbo status denies them legal work, access to health services, and the ability to open bank accounts, pushing them further into the margins of society.
Overcoming Barriers to Registration
The primary obstacle to registration is often ignorance. Many parents do not understand the importance of obtaining birth certificates for their children or believe that it can be done later in life. In rural areas, the cost and logistics of traveling to registration centers further complicate the process. For children of migrants and refugees, the barriers are even more pronounced. Without documentation, they are often left stateless, unable to claim any nationality.
The Role of Faith-Based Organizations
Religious leaders and faith-based organizations play a crucial role in addressing statelessness. They advocate for the ratification of UN treaties and raise awareness at the community level about the importance of civil registration. As part of the Multi-Religious Council of Leaders, Archbishop Tlhagale highlights the collective strength of multi-denominational advocacy in influencing government policies to protect the rights of undocumented individuals.
Gebirah's Digital ID Empowerment Project
Amidst these challenges, Gebirah, a Singapore humanitarian organization, is making strides towards a solution. In partnership with the Singapore University of Technology and Design, Gebirah is developing a digital ID system to empower undocumented individuals to access aid from NGOs, governments, and donors. This innovative approach leverages technology to provide secure and verifiable digital identities, ensuring that even those without traditional documentation can be recognized and supported.
The progress of Gebirah’s project is promising. A recent video update shared by our project lead, Yang Si Jun and his team of engineers, Hao Wei Tham, Tejaswini Venkatroyalu, Cion Tan, Timothy Tang and Elliot Phua, showcases the advancements made and the positive impact anticipated for undocumented communities.
By providing digital identities, Gebirah aims to bridge the gap between the invisible and the recognized, enabling access to essential services and legal protections.
A Call to Action
The story of Maria and countless others underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions to the issue of undocumented individuals. While faith-based organizations and humanitarian initiatives like Gebirah’s digital ID project are making significant strides, much more remains to be done. It is a call to action for partners, collaborators, and volunteers to support these efforts, especially those like the International Catholic Migration Commission (ICMC) and Archbishop Tihagale, whose influential voices can drive change at both local and global levels. Together, we can ensure that every person, regardless of their documentation status, can lead a dignified life.
For those interested in joining this cause, we invite you to collaborate with us in making this transformative solution available to the stakeholders, particularly the ICMC and Archbishop Tihagale, who we hope to hear back from soon.
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