All refugees and asylum seekers of all nationalities in Ethiopia can access and register vital events, such as birth and death certificates and marriage and divorce registration.
Civil registration is the important act of recording and documenting vital events in a person’s life (including birth, marriage, divorce and death) and is, therefore, a fundamental function of governments.
In Ethiopia, RRS is responsible for the civil registration of refugees and asylum-seekers on behalf of the Immigration and Nationality Service (INS).
Why do I need documentation?
Civil registration provides individuals with legal identity and civil status. A birth certificate is a basic legal document that gives identity and access to basic rights for a child. It serves as an important proof of the place of birth and parentage and is often essential for the acquisition of nationality.
A birth certificate may be required to obtain access to basic services such as health and education, and it can also help to protect children from situations of exploitation, abuse and violence such as child marriage and child labour, among others.
In adulthood, birth certificates may be needed for many purposes: to obtain social security or a job in the formal sector, to buy a property or to obtain a passport. The lack of official birth documentation can have serious, cumulative, harmful effects on people’s life opportunities. Particularly for refugee children, a lack of birth certificates can impede their access to basic services and eventually increase their risk of becoming stateless.
Registration of death is also important. For the family of the deceased, a death certificate ensures their right to inherit property, access financial entitlements, and claim any available insurance benefits. Death certificates are often also prerequisites for burial, remarriage or the resolution of criminal cases.
Do I need to pay for civil documents?
No, vital events registration and issuance of certificates of birth, marriage, divorce or death are free of charge for refugees.
Where can I register vital events?
RRS offers vital events registration in all refugee camps, in Zonal Offices, and RRS offices in Addis Ababa.
Refugees in Addis Ababa must contact the RRS office located in the Enkulal Fabrica area.
What is the process for registering birth? What documents should I bring to get a birth certificate for my children?
You should register newborn babies within 90 days after birth at the RRS office where you registered as a refugee.
Parents shall provide:
- evidence that proves their refugee status (refugee ID card or Proof of Registration) and
- the birth notification of the child needs to be presented.
Can refugee children not born in Ethiopia obtain a birth certificate from RRS?
Yes. Refugees who were not issued a birth certificate in their country of origin can obtain a birth certificate issued by the Government of Ethiopia retroactively.
Can refugee children born before 2017 also receive birth certificates?
Yes. Children, who were born before August 2017 when the amendment Proclamation No. 1049/2017 came into force, can also obtain a birth certificate.
Is there any age limit for a refugee to request for a birth certificate?
No. Any refugee of any age who has not already registered his/her birth in the country of origin or any other country can register his/her birth and obtain a birth certificate.
Evidence will need to be presented that proves the refugee status of the applicant (refugee ID card or Proof of Registration).
What is the process for children registering birth, who have an Ethiopian parent, and the other parent is a refugee?
Children, who have one Ethiopian parent and one parent who is a refugee in Ethiopia, are free to decide, whether to access birth registration at the VERA Office or the RRS Office.
- Vera Directive No. 6/2017, Art 14(2) – The nationality of the child shall be recorded as “Ethiopian” where one of his parents is an Ethiopian.
- This is also in line with the Nationality Proclamation No.378/2003 in which Ethiopian nationality is automatically acquired when either or both parents are Ethiopian nationals. Art 3(1)
Will a certificate be replaced, if it has been lost? What is the procedure for that?
Yes. A replacement certificate of registration can be issued if the original certificate has been lost, damaged or destroyed for various reasons. A report needs to be filed with the Police.
Do I need a birth certificate to register a newborn child with RRS or UNHCR ?
No. A birth notification is sufficient to register a child in the RRS or UNHCR databases.
RRS and UNHCR encourage and recommend that a birth certificate for a newborn is obtained after registration with RRS or UNHCR.
More information:
- The Vital Events Registration and National Identity Card Proclamation (Amendment) No. 1049/2017 expands the right to register vital events to all refugees, asylum seekers, foreign nationals in Ethiopia and Ethiopian nationals abroad.
