In a quiet corner of a refugee camp, a young mother cradles her newborn. She is exhausted but determined. Her journey has been long and perilous, fleeing conflict and chaos. But now, another challenge looms: without proper identification, her child is invisible in the eyes of the world. This is a harsh reality for millions of refugees who, without civil registration and ID, are stripped of their rights and opportunities.
The plight of refugees is staggering. With around 68 million people forcibly displaced worldwide, one-third have crossed international borders seeking safety. Their journeys are fraught with danger, and even upon reaching host countries, they face uncertainty and limited access to essential services . A significant barrier they encounter is the lack of civil registration and identity documents, which are crucial for accessing rights and services.
The Critical Role of Civil Registration and ID
Civil registration and identity documentation are fundamental for refugees. Birth registration, for instance, provides proof of a child's name, place of birth, and parents' identity, facilitating their claim to nationality and access to rights. Yet, many refugees are without these crucial documents due to various reasons—lost during dangerous journeys, stolen, destroyed in conflict, or confiscated .
Without ID, refugees face severe consequences:
Restricted Movement: Without proof of identity, refugees cannot travel through official checkpoints, forcing them to use dangerous, illegal channels.
Delayed Asylum: Asylum applications are delayed without proper documentation, often leading to deportation or statelessness.
Family Separation: Proving relationships without documentation is challenging, leading to family separations.
Limited Services: Without ID, refugees struggle to access healthcare, employment, and social protection, increasing their vulnerability to poverty and exploitation.
Gebirah’s Digital ID Solution
In response to this urgent need, Gebirah, a Singapore-based humanitarian organization, in partnership with the Singapore University of Technology and Design, is developing a digital ID solution aimed at empowering refugees. This digital platform will help bridge the knowledge gap about the UN verification process and streamline the process, enabling refugees to validate and present their information easily.
Gebirah’s digital ID project aims to:
Capture Vital Information: Refugees can input educational qualifications, health records, birth certificates, marriage certificates, and family pictures to create comprehensive digital profiles.
AI-Enhanced Verification: Utilizing AI and facial recognition, the platform will facilitate profile validation and help locate missing family members.
Access to Services: Digital identities will enable access to essential services and opportunities, overcoming documentation barriers.
A Collaborative Approach
This initiative not only supports refugees but also assists NGOs and UNHCR by streamlining the identification process, reducing the burden on UN officers who continually search for and assist undocumented refugees. By providing a secure, verifiable digital identity, Gebirah’s platform helps ensure that refugees can access the aid and services they need, fostering a more efficient and humane response to the refugee crisis.
Conclusion
The global refugee crisis demands innovative solutions. By leveraging technology and corporate social initiatives, Gebirah's digital ID project represents a significant step towards alleviating the challenges faced by refugees. This project can transform the way we support displaced individuals, ensuring they are not only seen but also supported and empowered.
We invite partners, collaborators, and volunteers to join us in making this solution a reality. Together, we can build a future where every refugee has the opportunity to reclaim their identity and access the support they deserve.
References:
Centre of Excellence for Civil Registration and Vital Statistics Systems. (2023). Refugees are more vulnerable without civil registration and ID. How can we help?
UNHCR. (2023). The critical role of civil registration and ID for refugees.
Gebirah Humanitarian Organization. (2023). Digital ID project proposal.
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