Over 17,400 South Sudanese Empowered with National Identity Cards Through EU and UNHCR Partnership

A significant milestone was achieved yesterday in Yei as over 17,400 South Sudanese citizens received National Identity Cards, thanks to a collaborative initiative by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the European Union (EU). The event was attended by UNHCR Assistant High Commissioner Mr. Raouf Mazou and EU Ambassador Mr. Timo Olkkonen, highlighting the importance of civil documentation in securing rights and services for citizens.

This joint project aims to assist the Directorate of Civil Registry, Nationality, Passport, and Immigration (DCRNPI) in strengthening access to essential services for returning refugees and individuals at risk of statelessness throughout South Sudan. The focus has been particularly on areas with high numbers of returning refugees from neighboring countries, including Central Equatoria, encompassing the counties of Morobo, Lainya, Yei, and Kajo-Keji.

“The issuance of ID cards is a vital step in providing South Sudanese with a legal identity, facilitating their access to employment, financial services, and education,” Mr. Olkkonen remarked. He emphasized that a nationality document is not merely bureaucratic, but a fundamental human right as outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Ambassador Olkkonen further underscored the EU’s commitment to promoting integration, resilience, and addressing statelessness within South Sudan, recognizing the critical role such documentation plays in fostering a unified and functional nation.

The DCRNPI’s Director General, Simon Majur, reinforced the government’s commitment to expanding access to civil documentation, stating, “Having a National Identity Card empowers returnees and displaced communities to access essential services such as education, healthcare, social protection, and formal employment.”

This ceremony comes at a crucial time, following South Sudan’s recent formal accession to two Conventions on Statelessness—an important step for a nation grappling with the reintegration of large numbers of returning citizens, particularly those who fled from Sudan during the ongoing crisis.

UNHCR’s Mr. Mazou highlighted the challenges faced by many returnees, especially those who are unfamiliar with South Sudan, stating, “The risk of statelessness remains high for these individuals, necessitating further action to support their reintegration.”

Both UNHCR and the EU are dedicated to enhancing the welfare of South Sudan’s displaced populations and working collaboratively to move towards sustainability and self-reliance. This initiative not only supports immediate needs but also lays the groundwork for lasting peace and development in the region.