Celebrating Civil Status Open Door Day: A Step Towards Dignity and Rights for Children in Tiko
On October 28, 2022, a transformative event took place in Mudeka, Tiko Municipality. A Civil Status Open Door day was organized through the collaborative efforts of Tiko Council, BUNEC, GIZ/PAMEC, and HUMFRIEH. This initiative reached 16 remote villages, resulting in 632 birth certificates being established and distributed to children.
Why Birth Registration Matters
Birth registration is not just paperwork—it is the fundamental proof of a child’s existence and legal identity. Without a birth certificate, children remain invisible to the state, unable to claim basic rights such as healthcare, education, and legal protection.
The Open Door day served as both an awareness-raising and access initiative, especially important in remote areas where civil registration services are scarce. Families were sensitized on the benefits of registering births, and barriers to access were effectively addressed.
Key Benefits of Birth Certificates for Children and Communities
Access to Healthcare and Education: Enables children to enroll in schools and receive health services such as immunizations.
Protection Against Exploitation: Birth certificates help safeguard children from child labor, trafficking, and exploitation by verifying their age and identity.
Social Inclusion and Recognition: Provides children with legal recognition and access to social welfare programs.
Simplifies Future Administrative Processes: Facilitates obtaining national IDs, passports, and other legal documents in later life.
HUMFRIEH’s Role and Commitment
With extensive expertise in community engagement, HUMFRIEH played a pivotal role in sensitizing families and assisting with birth registration in the remote villages. This work directly supports HUMFRIEH’s mission to promote health, legal rights, and social welfare for vulnerable populations.
Moving Forward
The success of Tiko’s Civil Status Open Door day underscores the urgent need to scale up birth registration efforts to ensure no child is left undocumented. Achieving universal birth registration aligns with international commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals.
HUMFRIEH invites communities and partners to unite and continue championing the rights and dignity of every child through birth registration and civil status initiatives.
