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UNHCR Equips NRB Ready For Refugees’ Birth Registration

Acting UNHCR Country Representative and Malawi officials in symbolic handover Acting UNHCR Country Representative and Malawi officials in symbolic handover pic by Aunyango Nkhoma

On Monday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees-UNHCR-made available birth registration equipment to the National Registration Bureau-NRB-for the roll-out of birth registration for children of refugees in camps in Malawi.

Acting UNHCR Country Representative, Rika Amano, told Zodiak Online later that the UN’s engagement in the birth registration of refugees, is in relation to the global need for prevention, protection and reduction of refugees’ statelessness.

The equipment that was made available, she said, would boost the capacity of Dowa district to issue birth certificates to both the refugees and Malawians.

“The birth registration is in line with protection policy of refugee children. We are excited that the government of Malawi is committed to registering both Malawian and refugee children,” Amano said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner for Refugees in the ministry of Homeland Security, Hudson Mankhwala, says the equipment will strengthen registration of refugee children and ensure that they are incorporated in the NRB database.

He observed that the process will also help distinguish refugees from Malawians.

“It is important that we have this equipment,” he said.

The UNHCR is also planning introduction of identity cards for refugees in camps.

Lately, there have been increasing cases of crime involving refugees in Malawi and the debate around the nationality of children born to refugees in Malawi has also been in issue.

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Last modified on Tuesday, 14/01/2020

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