.JPG?width=768&height=384)
In Myanmar, the lack of proper identification documents is a problem that affects more than 10 million people. According to the 2014 Union of Myanmar official census, more than 19,000 people in the Kayah state, with the majority coming from rural areas, lacked such documents. The accurate number is probably higher, as those living in areas dominated by Non State Actors did not participate in the census.
The need for civil documentation and information on basic rights is high, especially in areas affected by conflict and areas currently undergoing a peace process.
Tiresome bureaucratic process
Daw Ri Sue is a 56 year old farmer who lives in a conflict affected area where displacement has taken place for decades. She has nine children, only two of which are enrolled in school. She wanted to get a valid ID so that more services could be available to her and her family, and to allow her younger children to register in school.
Daw Ri Sue first attempted to get a valid ID at the Myanmar Ministry of Labour, Immigration and Population (MOLIP) office in Pruso Township. She went there after harvesting season, a time when farmers often manage to save up some extra money. However, due to the lack of counseling services, she was not aware of the existing procedures at the office and did not bring all the necessary family registration documents.
Due to additional transportation costs, providing sufficient and correct documentation is often a struggle for those living in remote areas. Following a tiresome and lengthy bureaucratic process, Daw Ri Sue was not able to receive a new ID.
Access to basic rights
Basic identification papers are often taken for granted, but these documents regulate access to vital basic services such as education, social welfare and land registration. They also permit individuals to engage with the public and partake in decision making.
The lack of identification documents increases the vulnerability of those already suffering from violence, such as women passing through check points or border crossings. In addition, legal identity documents are essential for achieving durable solutions for returning refugees and displaced persons.
Faced with these challenges, and in cooperation with MOLIP, NRC has facilitated the issuing of ID cards since 2012, through mobile One Stop Service (OSS) centers in South East Myanmar. Through OSS activities, NRC visits hard to reach rural areas to provide identification documents, counselling services and to give briefs on the legal rights of the ID card holders. The project targets conflict affected communities, prioritising the displaced and people at risk of statelessness.
NRC advocates for inclusiveness in the implementation of legal frameworks, as well as reforming current laws in line with international standards. Since 2012, more than 431,708 beneficiaries have received ID cards as a result of this service, with the support of donors such as the European Union, the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the Australian Department of Foreign Affaires and Trade (DFAT), the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (NMFA) and the Swedish International Development and Cooperation Agency (SIDA).
Raising awareness among youth
When NRC set up a One Stop Service centre in Hoya village, about one hour by foot from Daw Ri Sue’s village, she told her elder children to apply. At this time, her children were busy working at the farm, but she knew that they would need ID cards to register for matriculation, so she went to the OSS by herself.
“Upon arrival, I attended an information session held by NRC on citizenship rights, the advantages of having civil documentation and the application process. On the same day, I was able to get an ID card, free of charge”, she says.
Recently, two of her children have also managed to collect their ID cards. Daw Ri Sue stresses the importance of having legal identity documents to access basic rights, and will urge the rest of her elder children to apply.
“Due to high levels of poverty, there are many children who have dropped out of school to financially support their families. They’re usually unaware of the value of basic documentation and the impact an ID card can have on their future prospects”, she says. She hopes that NRC’s information and counseling activities in Kayah will continue to raise awareness among the youth and improve their chances of a better life.
This article has been co-authored by Flora Ju.
