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European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations

Protecting “invisible” displaced populations in Niger

In Niger, violence affects several regions, displacing around 264,000 people within the country. The regions of Tillabéri and Tahoua are particularly affected by the stalled security situation.

People displaced face many challenges, which several humanitarian actors are trying to address by providing basic services such as medical care, shelter, safe water, access to education, and food.

However, to benefit from these services, a major piece is missing from the puzzle: civil documentation. Between July and September 2020, more than 3/4 of families reported that at least 1 member lacked identity documentation.

Without legal documentation, these already vulnerable people become "invisible" and face many risks. In the short term, they cannot enjoy their most basic rights or access basic humanitarian services.

Children cannot be enrolled in school or take exams, while undocumented adults have their movements restricted by police checks. In the medium and long term, they run an even greater risk with dramatic consequences: statelessness. They will not be recognised as citizens of any country and will not be able to enjoy any protection.

With EU humanitarian support, the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) provides civil and legal documentation assistance to the internally displaced, refugees, and the most vulnerable host communities in 5 regions of Niger, including Tillabéri.

Photos © Norwegian Refugee Council, 2022. All rights reserved. Licensed to the European Union under conditions.

People queuing for registration
In the Tillaberi Region of Niger, 2/3 of the displaced do not have documentation for their children born during displacement. Most are unaware of the procedure for issuing birth certificates, while the other half have lost their documentation.
© Norwegian Refugee Council, 2022. All rights reserved. Licensed to the European Union under conditions
Young boy holding his newly received birth certificate. Standing in between his parents.
This young boy, who just received his birth certificate during the Tillaberi region distribution, will be able to attend school normally. Other children, without birth certificates, will not be able take the school exams at the end of primary school.
© Norwegian Refugee Council, 2022. All rights reserved. Licensed to the European Union under conditions
A girl holding her birth certificate
The impact is greater on girls, who face this additional barrier in their upbringing and access to education. Most of parents privilege the establishment of boys' documentation over that of their sisters.
© Norwegian Refugee Council, 2022. All rights reserved. Licensed to the European Union under conditions
Girl receiving her birth certificate with 2 adults around her.
Halimatou, 14, was also able to receive her birth certificate during the distribution. Some displaced people do not have documentation because they lost it, their civil registry centre was destroyed, or they are unaware of the application procedure.
© Norwegian Refugee Council, 2022. All rights reserved. Licensed to the European Union under conditions
Girl standing next to a banner showing her birth certificate
NRC's response includes information and sensitisation activities on civil documentation issues with the help of mobile teams. Civil registry actors are also involved and sensitised to the mass identification of people without birth certificates.
© Norwegian Refugee Council, 2022. All rights reserved. Licensed to the European Union under conditions
Group photo of a mother with her 3 children
Special attention is given to the most vulnerable families, including those headed by women or children or with children with no birth certificates or never registered. This means the possibility of education and the hope of a better future.
© Norwegian Refugee Council, 2022. All rights reserved. Licensed to the European Union under conditions


Publication date: 30/05/2022