HUMFRIEH’s Impact through the “My Name Campaign” 2025
From January to August 2025, HUMFRIEH proudly partnered with the Council and UNICEF to actively contribute to the national “My Name Campaign,” a transformative initiative dedicated to establishing free birth certificates for children across Cameroon. This campaign, which bears the inspiring slogan “My Name, My Identity, My Right,” is a vital step towards securing every child’s legal identity—a foundational human right recognized globally.
A Milestone Achievement for Tiko Municipality and Beyond
During the eight months of this campaign, HUMFRIEH successfully facilitated the issuance of 436 birth certificates, including 275 for children under the age of five, addressing one of the most vulnerable age groups that are often at risk of exclusion from basic rights and services. These efforts culminated notably on February 11th, 2025, coinciding with the National Youths Day celebrations. On this day alone, HUMFRIEH distributed 218 birth certificates to primary school pupils from various schools within the municipality, with the ceremony witnessed by the Divisional Officer of Tiko.
The Importance of Birth Registration
Legal identity, embodied by a birth certificate, is the first right of every child. It safeguards the child’s existence in society and provides access to essential services such as education, healthcare, and social protection. Unregistered children are vulnerable to numerous risks including statelessness, exploitation, and denial of basic rights. The birth certificate serves as a critical document for:
Accessing Education: A birth certificate is often mandatory for school enrollment, enabling children to participate fully in educational opportunities.
Healthcare Access: It facilitates access to immunizations and other vital health services.
Legal Protection: Birth registration helps protect children from child labor, early marriage, and involvement in armed conflict.
Social Inclusion: Recognition by the law affirms a child’s right to identity and inclusion in societal development programs.
HUMFRIEH’s Role and Commitment
By partnering in this national campaign, HUMFRIEH has demonstrated its commitment to community empowerment and social justice. Our role in facilitating birth registrations aligns with our mission to promote health, legal rights, and social welfare, particularly for vulnerable and marginalized populations within Tiko municipality. We stand proud as a pivotal link between local communities, government authorities, and international partners like UNICEF, collectively advancing Cameroon’s goal to become a continental champion in birth registration.
Looking Ahead
The successes from January through August 2025 reinforce the importance of sustained efforts to ensure that no child is left undocumented. HUMFRIEH calls on stakeholders—community leaders, parents, educators, and donors—to continue supporting birth registration initiatives. Every child with a birth certificate is a step closer to a future where rights are respected, opportunities are equitable, and dignity is guaranteed.
Together, we celebrate the victories achieved and commit to pushing forward until universal birth registration is a reality for all children in Cameroon.
For more details on our programs and how to support our work, please visit https://humfrieh.org/.
