A good start in life: birth registration in DRC

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing many problems. Because of the mineral-rich soil, there are many countries interested in this part of Africa. And that causes ongoing conflicts with many armed groups fighting each other, resulting in many problems for the population. One of those problems is the registration of newborn children.

Normally, children are registered when they are born in the hospital or at home. This registration, although a simple act in itself, is vital during the rest of a child’s life. It provides an identity, but also a document that is necessary to be able to register for school, obtain identity papers and register for a job. However, according to data collected by UNICEF, only 40% of children have their birth registered. Because of the decades-long conflict, birth registration is not always possible, for various reasons: people have to flee, papers get lost or the hospital lacks the supplies or personnel needed for registration.

310 new birth certificates
The Help a Child team in DRC decided, together with the local authorities, to help children to get registered, even when they are already somewhat older. This includes an investigation to check facts provided by the children and their caregivers, but after that they get this important document: the birth registration. Since then 310 birth certificates have been rendered, giving these children a good start in life.