A joint field mission aimed at strengthening birth registration and child protection services was successfully conducted in the Afar Region.
The mission was led by the Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS), with support from UNICEF, and carried out in Semera and Asayita Refugee Camp. It was implemented in close collaboration with UNHCR and the Immigration and Citizenship Service.
The mission focused on enhancing access to legal identity for refugee children by strengthening birth registration services. Key activities included clearing registration backlogs, providing on-site technical support, and assessing existing service delivery systems. In addition, human-interest stories were documented to showcase the tangible impact of birth registration in enabling access to education, healthcare, and legal protection.
Speaking during the mission, RRS Deputy Director General Brutesfa Mulugeta emphasized the critical importance of birth registration, stating: “Birth registration is the foundation of protection for every child. It ensures access to essential services and safeguards children from exclusion and exploitation. Strengthening these services in refugee settings remains a key priority.”
He further highlighted that the mission reflects Ethiopia’s continued commitment to its documentation pledge, noting: “Through strong coordination and sustained efforts, we are working to ensure that every refugee child is registered and protected.”
This joint initiative underscores the strength of partnerships among key stakeholders and reaffirms a shared commitment to ensuring that no child is left without identity, protection, and opportunity.
