UNHCR Sponsorship Provides National Identity Cards to Over 500 School Children and Vulnerable Persons in Yei, South Sudan

In a significant development aimed at supporting disadvantaged cross-border communities, South Sudan’s Yei River County Commissioner, Hon Aggrey Cyrus Kanyikwa, launched the issuance of National Identity Cards sponsored by UNHCR. This initiative seeks to assist vulnerable individuals, such as returnees, IDPs, and host communities, who face obstacles in obtaining National Identity Cards due to their challenging circumstances.

Expressing his gratitude to UNHCR and the South Sudan Commission for Refugee Affairs, Commissioner Kanyikwa praised the organizations for recognizing the difficulties faced by vulnerable populations. The sponsorship provided by UNHCR will enable 547 individuals in Yei alone, as well as others in neighboring counties, to benefit from acquiring National Identity Cards.

Highlighting the importance of nationality for the younger generation, Commissioner Kanyikwa emphasized that students and pupils play a crucial role in shaping the future of South Sudan. By providing them with National Identity Cards, these young individuals will have the necessary documentation to pursue higher education, secure employment opportunities, and participate in national events as proud citizens of South Sudan.

The verification exercise conducted by the Directorate of Nationality, Passport, and Immigration, along with the medical team and photographers, aims to facilitate the process for selected students and pupils in Yei River County. Maj. Moses Lokiko underscored the significance of the nationality card for every South Sudanese citizen, emphasizing its essential role in various aspects of life.

Assistant Commissioner for Refugees Affairs in Yei, Honorable Julius Taban Philip, called upon parents, elders, chiefs, and government authorities to witness the signing of nationality forms by the pupils and students. This collaborative effort between local officials and humanitarian agencies signifies a crucial step towards ensuring that vulnerable individuals in South Sudan have access to essential documentation for citizenship and identity.